Editorial – No Secret About Safety

“IT is decreed by Divine Providence that those who know what they ought to do and then take care to do it properly, for the most part meet ' with good fortune in all. they, undertake; on the other hand, misfortune overtakes the indolent and those who are careless in their work." These are the words of Georgius Agricola. to. those who are engaged in mining, taken from De Re Metallica, Book II, second paragraph. Safety in mining is just that simple, when considered on the basis of the individual. The words imply a .knowledge of what is to be done and how to do it. Armed with this knowledge it is only necessary to proceed with diligence and care to achieve the desired end without personal or financial mishap. Obviously the complication arises in the large company operating numerous mines and the consequent ramifications of company structure embodying management, supervision, engineering, and labor. Agricola stresses later on the importance of supervision and direction by the owners of the mine. We know that this principle is recognized today by the frequency with which the statement is repeated "a safety program must stem from management." People charged with responsibility for safety and management also stress the importance of securing the cooperation of the employees in formulating and carrying . out safe working practices. Safety committees consisting of employees, supervisors, and. representatives of management are recognized as the most practical method of achieving safety consciousness in all levels of mining company organization.