By Randy Logsdon Don Wilson was the featured keynote speaker for day two of the New Mexico Mine Health and Safety Conference on May 8. Wilson is the vice president of SafeStart, a commercially marketed injury prevention system.
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ALJ Vacate Drilling Citations, Citing an Unreasonable Interpretation
By Ellen Smith MSHA’s interpretation of a drilling standard is erroneous, not worthy of deference, and would lead to extraordinarily dangerous results, according to a recent ruling by Review Commission Judge Pricilla Rae. The case involved MSHA’s interpretation of §56.7012, which requires that drills be “attended” at all times. The dispute centered around the meaning of “attended.”
Read MoreChief ALJ Refuses to Extend Deadlines Where DOL Cut Backlog Staff Due to Sequester and Budget
By Ellen Smith Review Commission Chief ALJ Robert Lesnick has denied a motion filed by an MSHA conference litigation representative to stay a case for 180 days due to a “high rate of contests coupled with MSHA’s limited staff.”
Read MoreVulnerabilty, Worry Stem From Feeling Lack of Control
By Randy Logsdon As I write this, the events of the week of April 15 are still fresh in the minds of most Americans – the terrorist bombing at the Boston Marathon and the fertilizer plant explosion in the town of West, Texas. While we are all saddened, if not angered, by the human toll resulting from these events, we…
Read MoreMine Act Mandates $2,000 Penalty for Unwarrantable Failure Violations
By Ellen Smith In overturning a penalty imposed by ALJ David Barbour for a guarding violation, the Review Commission ruled that the plain language of the 2006 MINER Act mandates a minimum $2,000 penalty if a violation is due to an unwarrantable failure to comply.
Read More3M Full Brim Hard Hat has Advanced Features
Hard-hats have been an integral piece of personal protective equipment on jobsites for decades. With engineering advancements in suspension design, a lightweight shell, and a patented ultraviolet (UV) indicator, the new 3M H-800 Series Full Brim Hard Hat helps alleviate workers’ frustrations with hard hats on the job.
Read MoreVISTA Training Offers PC-based Bulldozer Simulator
VISTA Training now offers a PC-based bulldozer simulator from Simlog. This instructionally designed simulation software puts trainees at the controls of a medium-sized bulldozer at work in a typical construction site. Seven simulation modules are structured to train entry-level operators on basic operation and core skills. Lessons begin with controls familiarization and progress to more complex tasks.
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