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SME past president appointed as NIOSH associate director
Jessica Elzea Kogel, the Society for Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration’s (SME) 2013 president, was named associate director for mining for the National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health (NIOSH), the federal agency that conducts research and makes recommendations for preventing work-related injuries, illnesses and deaths. In this position, Kogel leads NIOSH’s Office of Mine Safety and Health Research, which also coordinates the Pittsburgh Mining Research Division and the Spokane Mining Research Division. She will set a number of priorities aligning research goals with stakeholder goals, with the ultimate objective of saving miners’ lives. Kogel has held a number of positions in the mining industry, including senior research scientist and manager of the Industrial Mineral Group at McCrone Research Associates, principal research clay mineralogist and group leader at Thiele Kaolin Co., as well as senior manager for mining and geology at Imerys S.A. Kogel has also held a number of executive positions with professional organizations, including the NORA Mining Sector Council, Clay Minerals Society and World Federal for Engineering Organization, which… Keep Reading
CEMA releases Spanish version of bulk materials book
The Conveyor Equipment Manufacturers Association (CEMA) released a Spanish version of the seventh edition of its book, "Belt Conveyors for Bulk Materials." The book, with metric conversion, is now available in print and PDF format. The first edition of the book was released in 1966 and contained 331 pages, reports CEMA. The seventh edition contains 843 pages on basic data, fundamentals of design, belt conveyor capacities, belt selections, general applications, Ki and Ai factors and more, the association adds. A number of individuals and companies contributed to the 2014 revision, including R. Todd Swinderman, RToddS Engineering, Allen Reicks and Overland Conveyor. Purchase the book here. Keep Reading
ConExpo-Con/Agg reveals 2017 theme
ConExpo-Con/Agg organizers revealed that the theme for their 2017 event is “Imagine What’s Next.” According to show organizers, the 2017 show will embrace applied technologies that are helping the construction industry reduce downtime, maximize efficiencies at jobsites and minimize waste while increasing bottom-line profits and safety. The show will also provide attendees with products and equipment from major construction-related industries, including asphalt, aggregates, concrete, earthmoving, lifting, mining and utilities, show organizers add. “Technology is critical to the future of the construction industry and ConExpo-Con/Agg has always been a show that helps industry executives keep pace with the latest in new equipment and product innovations,” says Rich Goldsbury, ConExpo-Con/Agg 2017 show chairman and president of Bobcat Co. and Doosan. “But, as industry is being transformed by technology, our attendees understand the importance it has on their bottom line. It is our responsibility and privilege to connect them with the most cutting-edge innovations in safety, equipment and operations that are reshaping the future.” ConExpo-Con/Agg 2017, taking place at the Las Vegas Convention… Keep Reading
NSSGA honors Geraghty with its highest award
The National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association (NSSGA) honored Jerry Geraghty, president and CEO of Rogers Group, with the Barry K. Wendt Memorial Commitment Award, the association’s highest honor. According to NSSGA, the award recognizes an individual who exemplifies commitment to family, career and the aggregates industry. Geraghty’s career in the aggregates industry began on the supplier side with a 28-year career at Ingersoll-Rand, where he eventually became president of the company’s construction equipment group. Geraghty then joined the producer side when he began working for Rogers Group. He's been with the company for 14 years, and he also helped earn the 2012 NSSGA Sterling Safety Award for large companies. Geraghty serves as a member of the board of directors for NSSGA, the American Road and Transportation Builders Association, and the Construction Industry Manufacturers Association. He also served as first co-chair of the Association of Equipment Manufacturers in 2002 and chaired NSSGA’s board of directors in 2009. In addition, Geraghty volunteers for a variety of groups, including the Boys and… Keep Reading
Flexco releases online segment of Flexco University
Flexco launched the online portion of its Flexco University training tool, which features three levels of courses, quizzes and the ability to manage training groups. According to Flexco, this educational tool can be used to manage employee training and set up custom training groups. “Blending different methods of training, resources and settings allows your employees to be successful in the manner where they learn best,” says Kevin Gilfillan, training specialist for Flexco. “So we provide several platforms for learning with Flexco University, the newest being our convenient online training.” According to the company, Flexco University features a three-part curriculum that includes on-site and in-class training, as well as online instruction. The three levels of courses include the 100 level, 200 level and 300 level. Level 100 serves as an introduction to the basics of conveyor systems, belting and splicing. The 200 and 300 level courses include in-depth reviews of products, best installation practices, troubleshooting and more. Each course lasts about 30 to 60 minutes, and online quizzes are available, as… Keep Reading
NSSGA, MSHA Alliance release machinery safety alert
The National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association (NSSGA), in collaboration with the Mine Safety & Health Administration (MSHA), released a safety alert on machinery use. According to NSSGA, machinery injuries were the fourth most common type of injury to occur in the aggregates industry in 2014. NSSGA and MSHA Alliance recommends following these best practices to eliminate machine injuries: Ensure that machinery is powered off and secured against hazardous motion before performing repairs or maintenance. Consider all energy hazards including electrical, mechanical, pneumatic and hydraulic systems. When locking and tagging out equipment, use individual locks and tags and ensure miners have the keys to their locks. Personnel should not remove locks that aren’t their own. Inspect machinery prior to use. Tag and remove machinery from service that requires repairs. Since October 2015, the two organizations have produced several safety alerts, including avoiding slips, trips and falls, and material handling. Keep Reading
McLanahan: How to get the best product wash
McLanahan's Cory Jenson and Mark Krause share how you can achieve the best product wash. Keep Reading
Former National Stone Association president dies
Robert Bartlett, a former Pennsylvania highway secretary and engineer who served the National Stone Association (NSA) as president, has died. He was 84. Bartlett was born in 1931 in Brooklyn, N.Y., and had a bachelor's degree in engineering from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, and an MBA from Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pa. Bartlett was president of the National Stone Association (NSA) from the spring of 1986 until his retirement in 1996. NSA formed in January 1985. "When I started there, he brought the association into a fiscally responsible position," says Tina Richards, a former association colleague. "He took the helm after the merger of two organizations. One was a little bit more profitable than the other. He managed to grow their investment reserves." In addition to serving at the National Stone Association, Bartlett is past-president of the American Road & Transportation Builders Association, and he served as an executive vice president for L.B. Smith Inc., Camp Hill, Pa., in charge of the construction equipment and manufacturing divisions. During… Keep Reading
Sandvik conference draws in more than 120
Sandvik Construction's second annual Global Distributor Conference, held Jan. 11-15 in Ireland, drew in more than 120 people representing 60 Sandvik Mobiles distributors from about 40 countries. According to the company, this year’s conference focused specifically on improving customer service and meeting customer requirements. The conference kicked off with a welcome speech by Dinggui Gao, Sandvik Construction’s president. “I am delighted to attend and have the opportunity to meet our Mobiles’ partners,” Gao says. “It has been a challenging year, but fantastic to see the drive, enthusiasm and commitment within the Mobiles’ sales network.” Members of Sandvik's management team updated attendees on the company’s business, which included a presentation on the company’s powder coating facility investment. The distributors were also taken to a local quarry to view some of the company’s newest developments, including the QE241, the latest addition to Sandvik’s scalper range. A QH331 Hydrocone crusher with an optional hanging screen system and a QA335 Doublescreen were also displayed. Attendees were able to take advantage of workshops and seminars… Keep Reading
