MSHA Notifies 10 Operators for Potential Pattern of Violations
The U.S. Department of Labor's Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) recently announced that 10 mine operators from around the country have received letters putting them on notice that each has a potential pattern of violations of mandatory health or safety standards under Section 104(e) of the federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 (Mine Act)...
DOL Withdraws Risk Assessment Rule
The Department of Labor (DOL) on Aug. 31 officially withdrew the controversial risk assessment rule that critics claimed could jeopardize worker safety by delaying rulemaking on occupational exposure to toxins and chemicals...
MSHA $100,000 Club of Safety Citations
The U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) — www.msha.gov — has proposed penalties in excess of $100,000 for the following recent alleged failures to protect workers from potential hazards. ...
MSHA: Mine Deaths Fell to All-Time Low in 2008
On Jan. 8, MSHA released preliminary data showing that mine fatalities in 2008 declined 31 percent from 2007 to drop to an all-time low. Metal/nonmetal mines recorded the lowest level of fatalities in that sector of mining since statistics were first recorded in 1910, and the fatality level in coal mines was the lowest recorded number since 2005....
MassCOSH, National COSH Release Worker Safety Recommendations for Obama Administration
On Jan. 6, the Massachusetts Coalition for Occupational Safety and Health (MassCOSH) and its national association, the National Council on Occupational Safety and Health (National COSH), released a platform outlining seven priorities for federal action in 2009 to protect worker health and safety....
MSHA Completes 100 Percent of Annual Mine Inspections
MSHA announced that in the first year of its 100 Percent Plan, the agency achieved its goal of completing every mandated regular inspection for the year. This marks the first time in MSHA’s 31-year history that every mandated regular inspection was completed within the year....
MSHA, PCA Alliance Focuses on Cement Facility Safety
MSHA announced the formation of a health and safety alliance with the Portland Cement Association (PCA), a membership association consisting of 30 companies operating 115 plants in 36 states, to foster a safe working environment for cement workers....
MSHA Announces Initiative to Bolster Mine Safety
MSHA recently unveiled the Safety Targets Training Program, a new safety initiative designed to highlight and eliminate the leading causes of mine fatalities in the 21st century. ...
MSHA Proposes Drug, Alcohol Rule for Mines
“Mining under the best of circumstances can be dangerous,” said MSHA Administrator Richard E. Stickler, “and the use of alcohol and illegal substances creates additional, unnecessary hazards in the workplace. Miners do not operate alone. They have to work together to create a safe environment. If one miner is abusing substances, everyone’s safety is put at risk.” ...
MSHA Makes Crandall Canyon Mine Criminal Referral
On Sept. 3, MSHA announced it has made a criminal referral of issues relating to the Crandall Canyon Mine to the United States attorney for the District of Utah in a motion filed with the federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission. ...
