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Recognizing hazards to avoid accidents
Researchers at the National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health (NIOSH) are studying how workers in the stone, sand and gravel industry search for and find hazards in their work environment. Data collection is currently underway. Mine workers, safety professionals and mining students are visiting the Pittsburgh research laboratory and viewing panoramic images of the pit, plant, shop and roadway at a surface stone mine. Participants are asked to identify hazards in these images while researchers track where and how they are looking. Participants then sit down with researchers and discuss the hazards they identified and/or missed. The group’s initial data analyses from the Virtual Immersive Simulation Laboratory (VISLab) research show several interesting results. First, mine workers are generally more knowledgeable about hazards that occur at their typical work location. For instance, front-end loader and haul truck operators who spend a majority of their days loading in the pit are able to correctly identify more highwall and loading hazards than workers who spend time at other locations at the mine… Keep Reading
2016 P&Q Roundtable & Conference: Part 2
The Pit & Quarry Roundtable & Conference in Coral Springs, Fla., united aggregate producers, manufacturers and allied trade representatives in an idea-exchanging forum. It marked the 20th anniversary of Pit & Quarry’s first roundtable. Sponsored by Am Cast, Philippi-Hagenbuch, Sandvik Mining & Construction, Superior Industries and Terex Minerals Processing Systems, the event drew more than 40 people to the Fort Lauderdale Marriott Coral Springs, where discussions took place in two roundtable formats on the economy, employment, mine safety and other topics. Following are edited and abbreviated transcripts from the second of two roundtable sessions. Part 1 appeared in the April issue. Moderator: Kevin Yanik, Pit & Quarry Scott Alexander, ACG Materials Dana Boyd, North American Limestone Brandell Campbell, Cemex Trent Carney, Rogers Group Phil Eisel, Cardinal Aggregate Kelly Graves, Kleemann/Wirtgen Group Zach Green, Barrett Paving Dave Jones, Mid Coast Aggregates Scott Lanker, Bedrock Resources Rick Madara, McLanahan Corp. Alan Maio, Q4 Impact Michael O’Berry, Vulcan Materials George Reddin, FMI Matt Sitter, Fla. Concrete & Products Assn. Vinnie Rocco, Am Cast… Keep Reading
Choosing a portable asphalt recycling plant
Sean Donaghy of IRock Crushers answers questions about the selection and use of portable asphalt recycling plants. Q: When selecting a portable asphalt recycling plant, what are the most important items to consider? A: It’s critical for aggregate producers and crushing contractors to consider portability and the time involved in setting up the asphalt recycling plant. Some plants are very labor intensive and take days to set up, but with fully hydraulic models, it may only take about an hour. This is because hydraulic systems help reduce the need for producers to use cranes for moving equipment into place. And closed-circuit plants require minimal setup times to keep an operation productive and profitable. Producers know they need to consider Department of Transportation regulations when considering a piece of equipment, especially portable asphalt recycling plants. Due to the weight of portable units, users transport the hopper feeder separately to meet weight regulations, which requires additional lifting and transporting equipment. Aggregate producers and crushing contractors also need to consider the desired production… Keep Reading
2016 Pit & Quarry Hall of Fame videos
Rick Feltes Don James Steve Zelnak Keep Reading
2016 P&Q Roundtable & Conference: Part 1
The Pit & Quarry Roundtable & Conference in Coral Springs, Fla., united aggregate producers, manufacturers and allied trade representatives in an idea-exchanging forum. It marked the 20th anniversary of Pit & Quarry’s first roundtable. Sponsored by Am Cast, Philippi-Hagenbuch, Sandvik Mining & Construction, Superior Industries and Terex Minerals Processing Systems, the event drew more than 40 people to the Fort Lauderdale Marriott Coral Springs, where discussions were had in two roundtable formats on the economy, employment, mine safety and other topics. In addition to the roundtables, attendees heard briefly from Mike Johnson, president and CEO of the National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association, who addressed the FAST Act’s impact and the role of regulatory agencies. Mike Heenan, an attorney at Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart who also serves as Pit & Quarry’s legal editor, participated in a safety-focused question-and-answer session. And George Reddin, a managing director with FMI Capital Advisors Inc., offered an economics summary and a look ahead to this year and beyond. Following are edited and abbreviated… Keep Reading
2016 Pit & Quarry Hall of Fame inductee: Rick Feltes
Rick Feltes, who grew up in the aggregates industry, was a key figure in the development of AGG1 Aggregates Academy & Expo, which launched in 2009 alongside the World of Asphalt. Learn about his other accomplishments in the industry. Keep Reading
Live from 2016 AGG1 Aggregates Academy & Expo
The Pit & Quarry staff is reporting live from AGG1 Aggregates Academy & Expo in Nashville, Tenn., March 22-24, 2016. Stay tuned for industry news, exhibitor listings, Nashville tourism information and more. PRE-SHOW/SCHEDULES AGG1 Preview: Before you go to the show AGG1 Preview: Must-attend classes 2016 AGG1 Aggregates Academy & Expo AGG1 2016: Educational programs AGG1 offers online directory, app NSSGA 2016 Annual Convention AGG1 exhibitor directory NEWS AGG1, World of Asphalt break attendance records Williford dubbed chairman of NSSGA board of directors Cone crusher utilizes Symons principle Best practices: Getting the quarry involved on social media Main discusses mine safety improvements at NSSGA Convention Principles to transition a quarry business to its next generation Safety consultant: Speak up to achieve safety excellence Is an impact inspection coming your way? Considerations to make for your next MSHA inspection NSSGA to present Excellence Awards at AGG1 PIT & QUARRY HALL OF FAME Pit & Quarry announces 2016 Hall of Fame class Feltes, James and Zelnak enshrined into Hall of Fame EXHIBITORS… Keep Reading
P&Q Roundtable 2016: Aggregate equipment sales pt. 1
2016 P&Q Roundtable attendees, including Kleemann's Kelly Graves, Philippi-Hagenbuch's Josh Swank and Am Cast's Tomaso Veneroso, talk about their aggregate equipment sales in part one of this two-part segment. Keep Reading
P&Q Roundtable 2016: New technologies in the aggregates industry
As the industry evolves, so do technologies used by operators. From Hinkle Contracting's Warren Hawkridge and Vulcan Materials' Matt Arbuckle, here are some technologies their companies have been using to improve efficiencies. Keep Reading
