Labor commissioner appoints coal mining industry panel associated with Price office

By Sun Advocate

Commissioner Sherrie Hayashi has appointed a nine-member coal mining panel associated with the Utah labor office in Price.
The panel will meet quarterly and advise the commission on decisions involving the industry, provide assistance to miners prior to certification test ing and administer the practical portion of the exam, explained the commissioner.
As part of the certification process, miners are tested on skills like wiring explosives, handling dynamite and knowledge of using equipment.
Panel members include Arthur Bruno, maintenance superintendent at Bruno Engineering; Rudy Madrigal, maintenance foreman at Energy West Mining ; Wendell Christensen, Arch Coal electrical coordinator; Thomas May, retired Andalex Resources safety manager; James Poulson, safety manager for UtahAmerican’s Tower, Crandall Canyon and Westridge mines; Terry Jordan, retired Energy West safety engineer; Angelo Konakis, UtahAmerican shift foreman and certified retraining course instructor; Steve Radmall, UtahAmerican safety director; and Phillip Pappas, UtahAmerican load operator.
“The representatives on the mining panel have many combined years of experience in the coal mining industry and certification process, both surface and underground,” pointed out Hayash. “They are all well-qualified to instruct and administer the tests offered by our mining certification office. The commission appreciates the dedication they demonstrate to their profession and their commitment to insure that safety is foremost with the mining industry.”
The Price labor office specializes in miner certification. Located at 940 South Carbon Avenue, the office is under the direction of Debbie King.
The local labor office is open from 8 a.m. until noon, Monday through Friday. The telephone phone number is 636-1465.
King is available to answer questions regarding the testing location and process. Miners may purchase separate study guides for all five tests administered by the commission at the Price office. The tests include underground mine foreman, surface foreman, fireboss, underground electrician and surface electrician.
The first order of business for the panel will be reviewing test accuracy and efficiency and advising the commission of recommended changes.