OSHA
MSHA, OSHA 2017 budgets outlined
U.S. Secretary of Labor Thomas Perez released the president’s 2017 budget for the Department of Labor, which supports the president’s plan to train workers for jobs of the future and bolster the economic and retirement security of working families. “This… Keep Reading
The role of machine guards
A 12-lb. piece of metal, rotating rapidly in a small lathe, broke loose and killed a machine operator. This was not the first time a piece of metal broke loose, but it was the first incident that caused injury. And,… Keep Reading
Insights on the latest MSHA developments
Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) rules and regulations are continuously of interest to aggregate producers. Mike Heenan, an attorney at Ogletree Deakins who also serves as Pit & Quarry’s legal editor, offered his latest insights on MSHA developments in… Keep Reading
OSHA sends silica safety rules to White House
The Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sent its long-delayed rules intended to protect workers from exposure to harmful silica dust to the White House, reports The Hill. The White House’s Office of Management and Budget has… Keep Reading
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
