A White House press release announced intentions to nominate a number of government officials yesterday including Joseph Main as Assistant Secretary for MSHA. The press release says the following about Mr. Main:
Joseph A. (Joe) Main, has vast mine health safety experience in the
U.S. and is internationally recognized as an expert in mining health
issues. A Greene County Pennsylvania native, now residing in
Spotsylvania, VA, Mr. Main began working in coal mines in 1967 and
quickly became an advocate for miners safety as a union safety
committeeman as well as serving in various local union positions in the
United Mine Workers of America (UMWA). He was employed by the UMWA in
1974 as a Special Assistant to the International President, and joined
the UMWA Safety Division in 1976, serving as Safety Inspector,
Administrative Assistant, and Deputy Director. In 1982 he was appointed
Administrator of the UMWA Occupational Health and Safety Department, a
position he held for 22 years, managing the international health and
safety program and staff. He has considerable hands on experience
inspecting and evaluating mining conditions, plans and systems. Mr.
Main currently works as a self-employed mine safety consultant. His
recent work has focused on international mine safety, research and
analysis projects on preventing mining accidents, and development of
training programs and facilities to prepare miners and emergency
responders for mine emergencies. He was born in Waynesburg, PA, and is
a graduate of the National Mine Health and Safety Academy.