Information about the Assistant Secretary

U.S. Department of Labor
Mine Safety and Health Administration
Protecting Miners' Safety and Health Since 1978

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Information About
The Assistant Secretary

     David D. Lauriski is the seventh Assistant Secretary of Labor for Mine Safety and Health. Prior to his confirmation as Assistant Secretary, Mr. Lauriski spent 30 years in the coal mining industry, with a focus on safety for much of his career. Since his confirmation by the U.S. Senate on May 9, 2001, he has been dedicated to carrying out the Mine Safety and Health Administration's mission of protecting the health and safety of the miner.

     At the time of his leaving the mining business in 1999, Mr. Lauriski was the General Manager of Energy West Mining Company. Under his leadership, Energy West was recognized for its position as one of the largest underground coal producers in the United States and, most importantly, as one of the safest companies in the industry.

     Mr. Lauriski is recognized throughout the United States for his leadership skills in safety management. Along with those skills, he has brought the Mine Safety and Health Administration a vision designed to enhance miner health and safety and the Agency's operating efficiency. This vision reflects the President's call for Federal agencies to become citizen-centered, results-oriented and innovative and Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao's emphasis on quality workplaces that are safe, healthy and fair. He has emphasized partnering with the mining community and a "Triangle of Success" balancing enforcement, education and training, and technical support, all of which include compliance assistance.

     The United States mining industry selected Mr. Lauriski to represent its interest in Geneva, Switzerland, at the International Labor Organization during development of worldwide mine health and safety standards. The culmination of his work was the U.S. Senate's ratification of Convention 176 in September 2000. Prior to his confirmation as Assistant Secretary of Labor for Mine Safety and Health, Mr. Lauriski was the President of Lauriski and Associates, and served as Chairman of the Utah Board of Oil, Gas, and Mining and as a board member of the Utah Mining Association. He has also served as Chairman of the Coal Mine Safety Committee for the former American Mining Congress, and as Chairman of the Safety Committee for the Utah Coal Operators.

Mr. Lauriski attended Utah State University and the College of Eastern Utah and is recognized as a Certified Mine Safety Professional by the International Society of Mine Safety Professionals. He also holds certifications as an Underground and Surface Mine Foreman in the State of Utah.


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