This fall, MSHA investigators learned some tricks of the trade from none other than the FBI. The FBI Laboratory's Evidence Response Team Unit offered MSHA employees training on securing an accident scene, photographing and sketching, collecting and packaging evidence, conducting interviews, dealing with false or altered records and releasing the scene.
"MSHA's accident investigation team has a very difficult and challenging job," said FBI Laboratory Director D. Christian Hassell. "Its commitment to ensuring the integrity of the evidence, collected during the course of their investigations, is commendable ... [W]e look forward to continuing our partnership with MSHA as the agency enhances its training program."
Eighteen MSHA accident investigators and special investigators participated in the 2-week training from Sept. 24 to Oct. 5.
"This training will help improve MSHA investigators' skills and knowledge to conduct investigations under the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 – including willful violations of the Mine Act – as well as accident investigations," added MSHA administrtor Joseph A. Main. "In the event an accident investigation identifies possible criminal activities, MSHA's investigators will be better prepared to interact with the Department of Justice."