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MSHA discrimination complaints reach record high in 2014
In 2014, the U.S. Department of Labor Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) filed 49 discrimination complaints, which is more than any other year. The complaints, filed with FMSHRC, involved allegations of discrimination made by miners in the form of a discharge, suspensions or other adverse action, says MSHA. In addition, MSHA also filed 45 complains in 2014 requesting temporary reinstatement of miners, which is the second highest number ever filed. According to the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977, a miner cannot be discharged, discriminated against or interfered with in the exercise of statutory rights because he or she has engaged in a protected activity such as filing a complaint alleging a health or safety violation, or refusing to work under unsafe or unhealthy conditions. MSHA reported an increased number of complaints after increasing educational efforts. The administration’s report, “A Guide to Miners’ Rights and Responsibilities Under the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977," has helped educate miners about their rights in the workplace. “The… Keep Reading
NSSGA names Excellence Award winners and platinum qualifiers
The National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association (NSSGA) named the Gold, Silver, Bronze and Platinum Award winners of its Safety, Environmental and Community Relations Excellence Awards. It also recognized the winner of its top honor, the National Stars of Excellence award, which is given to operations that have accumulated gold awards over five-year periods. In addition, the Platinum Award is new to the program and is awarded to the top winner in each of the Environment and Community Relations categories. These winners will be announced at NSSGA’s Annual Convention on March 16. The Stars of Excellence Award winners include the Balcones Aggregates Quarry of Cemex Construction Materials South, the Pottsville Quarry of Rogers Group and the Rutherford Quarry of Rogers Group. The Safety Excellence Award winners include Southington Sand and Pit of Tilcon Connecticut, the Dubois Quarry of Martin Marietta Materials and the Kentucky Avenue Mine of Martin Marietta Materials. The Sterling Safety Award winners include Iddings Quarry Inc., J.F. Allen Co. and Luck Stone Corp. The Environmental Excellence Awards… Keep Reading
NSSGA to host geology webinar Feb. 26
The National Stone, Sand and Gravel Association (NSSGA) is set to host its online webinar “Geotechnical & Structural Geology” on Feb. 26 from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. ET. The webinar will focus on the importance of good pit design and slope stability. In addition, Julian Smallshaw and Anna Scothern from the Institue of Quarrying will be hosting this hour-long webinar. Registration is $49 for members and $99 for nonmembers per location. Register for the webinar here. Keep Reading
Sand-and-gravel company purchases land from Holcim
Greenport sand-and-gravel company A. Colarusso & Son purchased most of the lands of the cement company Holcim U.S. for $8.75 million, says an article in the Register-Star. Colarusso & Son bought more than 1,300 acres of land in Greenport and the South Bay and Waterfront areas of Hudson. According to the article, the sale includes the “northern mine parcel,” which includes 45 acres of quarry land east of Newman road; the “main mine parcel,” which includes 930.33 acres of land between Newman Road; and the “southern mine parcel,” which includes 251.634 acres west of county Route 29 and Hiscox Road and east of Newman Road. In addition, the contract between the companies prohibits Colarusso from distributing or altering the water, vegetation, soil or bed of open water and wetlands in the “conservation property” of the South Bay without written permission from Holcim. Colarusso is also forbidden from competing with Holcim in the sale or manufacture of cement, the article adds. Keep Reading
Purchase tickets to our 2015 Hall of Fame ceremony today
Pit & Quarry is set to host its annual Hall of Fame Dinner and Induction Ceremony on Sunday, March 15 at 7 p.m., where the new class will be inducted. This black-tie event will take place after the NSSGA Chairman’s Welcome Reception at the Hilton Baltimore. Members of the 2015 class include Glen Barton, Eli Whitney Blake, Paul Detwiler III and Neil Schmidgall. The event was established in 2012 to pay tribute to the pioneers of the past and present-day industry leaders. Learn more about the 2015 class here and purchase your tickets here. Also, nominate a worthy individual for the 2016 Hall of Fame class here. Keep Reading
2014 total construction starts rise despite December decline
According to Dodge Data & Analytics, new construction starts in December decreased 16 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $568.2 billion, reading 120 for the Dodge Index. In December, nonresidential building fell 23 percent to $196.6 billion, with manufacturing plant construction falling 73 percent, the commercial building group slipping 5 percent and store construction rising 10 percent. In addition, the institutional building group fell 10 percent, educational facilities dropped 4 percent and healthcare facilities decreased 5 percent. The public buildings category also increased 62 percent. Residential building improved 3 percent in December to $247.3 billion, with multifamily housing rising 14 percent and single-family housing decreasing 1 percent. Finally, nonbuilding construction in December fell 32 percent to $124.3 billion, which was due in large to a 79 percent fall for the electric power and gas plant category. New public works projects fell 10 percent, water supply systems decreased 25 percent and miscellaneous public works declined 43 percent. Highway and bridge construction increased 2 percent. Despite the decrease in December,… Keep Reading
McCloskey appoints Blakely as west coast dealer manager
McCloskey International named Ladd Blakely as its west coast dealer manager. In his new position, Blakely will be responsible for managing the company’s sales growth on the U.S. west coast. Prior to this position, Blakely served as store manager for Titan Machinery in Billings, Mont.; Des Moines, Iowa; and Denver, Colo. “Ladd’s experience and hands-on understanding of McCloskey equipment and the market allows him to foster key relationships, which will allow our sales organization to keep pace with the demand for McCloskey equipment in the region,” says John O’Neill, vice president of sales and marketing for McCloskey. Keep Reading
John Deere releases mobile app for equipment users
John Deere launched its John Deere App Center, a mobile app designed specifically for its equipment users. The app, available for the iPhone, allows users to search for and find apps most useful to their businesses, reports John Deere. It also allows operators to share these apps on social media and provide feedback on them. “This new tool offers applications that will help users increase the performance and productivity of their equipment,” says Pat Pinkston, vice president, technology and information solutions, John Deere Intelligent Solutions Group. “Other apps will be available to help manage many jobs within their operation while helping to improve overall efficiency for their work site.” Photo: John Deere Keep Reading
Astec launches highway fund campaign
Astec Industries launched a grassroots campaign titled “Don’t Let America Dead End” to advocate for a long-term extension of the Highway Trust Fund before it runs out at the end of May. Astec launched a website for the campaign, which is designed to raise awareness of the dwindling fund and “promote grassroots mobilization to press Congress to take action on the bill,” says the company. "America’s infrastructure is in desperate need of rebuilding,” says the website. “Without your involvement, the funds to create tens of thousands of jobs and pump millions into our economy over the course of the next decade will fall by the wayside… The road ends when the short-term extension runs out on May 31. Don't let America dead end." Keep Reading
