US Department of Labor renews alliance with National Lime Association to promote training, accident prevention in lime plants, quarries

MSHA News Release | May 29, 2026

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Labor's Mine Safety and Health Administration and the National Lime Association announced the renewal of their alliance that provides information, education, training, and technical assistance to protect worker safety and health specific to lime plants and quarries.

This collaborative relationship between MSHA and the NLA will facilitate the sharing of injury and citation data, as well as technical expertise that will help identify hazards in lime plants and quarries. Together, MSHA and the NLA will develop education and training initiatives for lime plants and quarries that will improve workplace health and safety.

MSHA and the NLA will develop initiatives that will promote the safety and health of workers and miners in lime plants and quarries, including:
− Providing information, education, training, and technical assistance to raise safety and health awareness to help prevent injuries and illnesses.
− Conducting and publishing case studies detailing the incidence of worker injury and illness.
− Sharing safety best practices.
− Developing education and training programs for operator and contractor employees.
− Collaborate on emergency response and rescue and recovery techniques for lime and quarry facilities.

"Our renewed partnership with the National Lime Association underscores MSHA's unwavering commitment to protect the health and safety of miners across the country," said Assistant Secretary for Mine Safety and Health Wayne Palmer. "By renewing this alliance, we are expanding the tools, training and collaborative support needed to prevent accidents at lime plants and quarries. Every miner deserves to go home safe at the end of the day, and this agreement reinforces the shared responsibility we all have in making that a reality."

"We are excited to continue and strengthen the partnership between the National Lime Association and the Mine Safety and Health Administration through this renewed Alliance Agreement. This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to advancing worker health and safety, strengthening education and training opportunities across the lime industry, and fostering open communication about the challenges and opportunities facing our sector. We look forward to working together to support safer operations, share technical expertise, and promote continuous improvement throughout the industry," said William. C. Herz, executive director of the National Lime Association.

MSHA's Alliance Program helps the agency build cooperative relationships with organizations committed to workplace safety and health. Alliance partners work with MSHA to provide miners and mine operators with information, guidance, and resources to build a culture of safety. Alliances also ensure that mine operators fully understand their responsibilities under the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977.

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Media Contact:
Lorynn Holloway, 202-693-4526, [email protected]
Kristen Knebel, 202-693-3435, [email protected]