|
 Printer-Friendly Version
OPA News Release: [11/12/2004]
Contact Name:
Eryn Witcher
Phone Number: 202-693-4676
U.S. Assistant Secretary of Labor for Mine Safety and
Health Dave D. Lauriski Announces his Plans for Departure
Leaves behind a legacy of accomplishments and
strong safety record
WASHINGTON—Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao announced
today the resignation of Assistant Secretary of Labor for Mine Safety and
Health Dave D. Lauriski. Lauriski is departing his post at the Department
of Labor on Friday, November 19, 2004.
“As Assistant Secretary of Labor for Mine Safety and Health, Dave Lauriski
has been an outstanding leader who brought with him 30 years of coal mining
experience, tested safety management skills, and profound respect for
the dignity of coal miners. Under Dave's leadership, MSHA has achieved
record-low mining industry fatalities and injuries, proactive safety initiatives
that will save more lives in the future, and a focused MSHA better able
to serve and protect America's mine industry workers,” said Secretary
of Labor Elaine L. Chao. “The general American public probably remembers
Dave most for his fierce determination to bring the Quecreek miners to
safety and be reunited with their families. His compassion and concern
for the nation's miners stems from his own experience as a son of a coal
miner and he will be greatly missed.”
David D. Lauriski is the seventh Assistant Secretary of Labor for Mine
Safety and Health and was confirmed by the U.S. Senate on May 9, 2001.
Under this Administration, the mining industry has achieved the lowest
number of mine fatalities since statistics were first recorded in 1910.
Mining fatalities dropped 34 percent between 2000 and 2003.
“I am truly grateful for the trust and support provided to me by President
Bush and Secretary Chao during my tenure at the Mine Safety and Health
Administration. When I was appointed assistant secretary of MSHA, both
the President and the Secretary set goals and expectations for America's
miners. I am proud to say that we have made substantial progress in moving
toward those objectives.
“The President and Secretary indicated that part of their expectations
were that I lead MSHA toward a culture of improved safety and health for
the mining community. We have taken tremendous steps forward in the areas
of health and safety, fulfilling the mandate from this Administration.
“At MSHA, we have remained committed to seeing that every miner goes
home healthy and safe at the end of each shift. And now, due to personal
circumstances, I am heading home at the end of my shift at MSHA to devote
more time to my family in Colorado.”
Under Dave Lauriski's leadership, enforcement has continued to provide
the foundation for MSHA's compliance activities, but education, training,
and technical assistance have played an increased role in the agency's
efforts. Lauriski has pushed for change in safety and health practices
within the mining community, so that safety would be ingrained in each
company as a value, while bringing the human element in safety to the
attention of the mining industry.
# # #
_________________________________________________________________
| 
