Mine Safety & Health Administration
Mining deaths in 2012 second lowest on record
Preliminary data released Jan. 31 from MSHA indicates that mining fatality rates reached an all-time low for the second straight year in 2012. Fatality rates are calculated based on the number of mining deaths per 200,000 hours worked. Thirty-six miners,… Keep Reading
Rule allows MSHA to issue POV notice without potential POV notice
MSHA has developed a new rule to strengthen its pattern of violations (POV) program and ensure mine operators monitor and address the most hazardous safety problems in their mines. The rule allows MSHA to issue a pattern of violations notice… Keep Reading
Fine amounts for two violations increasing
MSHA has raised penalty amounts for two specific violations, citing a need to keep up with the cost of living. One result is an 8.3 percent fine increase against operators who've allegedly committed unwarrantable failures – up to a maximum… Keep Reading
MSHA training conference to cover accident prevention
Catamount Consulting will present the Spring Thaw Safety Training Conference, an MSHA training event, Feb. 12-13 at Turning Stone Resort and Casino in Verona, N.Y. Topics to be covered include dealing with regulatory groups, accident prevention, hazard awareness, first aid,… Keep Reading
Seven metal/nonmetal mines receive November impact inspections
MSHA issued 123 citations and four orders to metal/nonmetal mines during impact inspections for the month of November. Nine coal mines received impact inspections during the same period, and MSHA collectively issued 162 citations, seven orders and two safeguards to… Keep Reading
Former MSHA Assistant Secretary Zeeger dies
David Zeeger, who served as Assistant Secretary for MSHA during part of the Reagan administration, died Dec. 10. He was 90. After a 30-year career in coal mining, Zeeger was named MSHA's Assistant Secretary on Nov. 18, 1983. According to… Keep Reading
MSHA, NSSGA reaffirm education, training alliance
MSHA and NSSGA will maintain their now 10-year-old alliance aimed at preventing injuries and illnesses at U.S. aggregates operations. Signed at MSHA’s headquarters on Dec. 7 in Arlington, Va., the agreement calls for the two organizations to work closely together… Keep Reading
Main hails appeals court decision as miner victory
MSHA Assistant Secretary of Labor Joe Main called a U.S. Court of Appeals rejection of a worker discrimination case a resounding victory for miners and their right to identify hazardous conditions that put themselves and others in danger. Main made… Keep Reading
Three metal/nonmetal mines cited in September impact inspections
MSHA issued 150 citations and 10 orders during special impact inspections conducted at three metal/nonmetal mines and 13 coal mines during the month of September. The three metal/nonmetal mines MSHA inspected were Pioneer Natural Resources USA Inc.'s Glass Rock Operation… Keep Reading
