MSHA
MSHA releases December impact inspection results
MSHA says it issued 135 citations, 24 orders and one safeguard during special impact inspections conducted at 11 coal mines and two metal and nonmetal mines in December. The monthly inspections, which began in force in April 2010, involve mines… Keep Reading
Surge in fourth-quarter accidents increases mining fatality rate
Forty-two miners died in work-related accidents at U.S. mines in 2013, according to preliminary data from MSHA. The 42 represent an increase of six compared with the 36 miners who died in 2012. Twenty-two of the 42 fatalities were in… Keep Reading
Risk realization
People have a tendency to become complacent and overlook risky situations over time. Why do injuries and fatalities occur in the workplace? Or, perhaps a better question would be, why do the same injuries and fatalities continue to occur? When… Keep Reading
Three metal/nonmetal mines involved in impact inspections
MSHA conducted impact inspections at three metal/nonmetal mines and six coal mines in October, issuing 120 citations and 10 orders, according to a press release. Impact inspections were curtailed during part of October due to the government shutdown. In addition,… Keep Reading
Former employee wins retaliation case against Maine producer
Portable Pioneer Plant, a stone-crushing operation in Thomaston, Maine, will provide compensation to a former employee and take other corrective action to resolve a lawsuit filed by the U.S. Department of Labor before the Federal Mine Safety and Health Review… Keep Reading
National Miner’s Day: MSHA notes health, safety progress
Although the worst mining accident in American history occurred more than a century ago, the tragedy left its mark as Dec. 6 is now known as National Miner’s Day. A Congressional proclamation enacted in 2009 ensures the 362 miners who… Keep Reading
NSSGA to sponsor NIOSH underground safety seminar
Underground safety is the subject of an upcoming seminar sponsored by the National Stone, Sand and Gravel Association (NSSGA) and presented by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). The 18th Annual Underground Stone Safety Seminar will be… Keep Reading
MSHA investigation focus
MSHA conducts three major types of investigations: accident investigations, special investigations and discrimination investigations. Trends are changing, and MSHA is shifting its emphasis to certain areas over others. Regular inspectors who are assigned to investigate the specific incident conduct these… Keep Reading
Investigations and prosecutions
An MSHA inspector insists on talking to employees privately. Supervisors are also questioned. An MSHA representative asks to meet with all employees on the night shift. A team of inspectors interviews employees and supervisors individually regarding an anonymous hazard complaint.… Keep Reading
