November 4, 2026 - The Mine Safety and Health Administration is launching an annual training program for its mine inspectors in an effort to ensure “all interactions with stakeholders are consistently professional.”

MSHA developed the “professionalism” training course for agency workers who conduct inspections and respond to mine incidents, hazard complaints and general inquiries. Subjects included in the course:

• Competence and sound judgment
• Fostering respect
• Dedication to miner safety and public service
• Building trust
• The importance of listening skills
• Demonstrating integrity
• Fair and impartial treatment

“These courses are an essential refresher for our field staff and an important way to demonstrate to the mining industry that we are listening and understand their perspective,” MSHA administrator Wayne Palmer said in a press release. “Our relationship with the mining industry is crucial to the health and safety of miners, and we want to be sure our employees conduct themselves professionally at every turn.”