Occupational Safety & Health Administration
Government sets stricter standards for worker endangerment
The Departments of Justice and Labor announced a plan to more effectively prosecute crimes that put the lives and health of workers at risk. Under the new plan, the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division and the U.S. Attorney’s… Keep Reading
Miners and marijuana
As in other industries, mining companies must contend with employees and contractors using or being influenced by illegal drugs in the workplace. Marijuana is one of the most prominent substances detected in drug screens of job applicants. Mine operators have… Keep Reading
MSHA or OSHA?
Intense federal regulation of workplace safety and health began when Congress introduced civil penalties for mines with the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act of 1969, and for other employers with the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970.… Keep Reading
MSHA can take control after mine accidents
Companies subject to OSHA are inspected after accidents, but employers are under no legal obligation to shut down all or part of their operations. In addition, companies are not required to correct conditions unless a citation is issued. And even… Keep Reading
NSSGA gives OSHA additional info on proposed silica rule
NSSGA filed additional information and data with OSHA following the agency’s public hearings in March and April on a proposed respirable crystalline silica rule. OSHA’s proposed rule includes a new exposure limit for respirable crystalline silica and details widely used methods… Keep Reading
OSHA hears from NSSGA rep on silica rule
NSSGA's Pam Whitted, senior vice president of legislative and regulatory affairs, testified before the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) on the potential impacts of its crystalline silica proposed rule. Whitted joined other stakeholders in expressing concern over the cost… Keep Reading
NSSGA issues comments on proposed silica rules
NSSGA filed formal comments with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) on the agency’s proposed rule on occupational exposure to respirable crystalline silica. OSHA’s proposal is important to aggregates producers because MSHA aims to propose a silica standard for… Keep Reading
OSHA proposes new standards to limit crystalline silica exposure
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) proposed a rule to curb lung cancer, silicosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and kidney disease in American workers. OSHA seeks to lower worker exposure to crystalline silica, which, according to a press release,… Keep Reading
MSHA says OSHA standard meets its own requirements
MSHA issued a clarification that mine operators who meet the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) hazard communication standard are in compliance with MSHA’s hazard communication standard. According to an MSHA press release, OSHA recently published an update to its… Keep Reading