In a speech in Toronto, Canada, new Chamber of Marine Commerce President Bruce Burrows called the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway a vital engine of sustainable growth that would benefit from increased infrastructure spending in Canada and the U.S.
Read MoreMonth: January 2017
Ross Talks Federal Investment
Jan. 20, 2017 – Commerce secretary nominee Wilbur Ross told senators that he sees a need for federal government spending on infrastructure – a week after DOT nominee Elaine Chao said she thinks Trump wants federal dollars to be a part of his infrastructure plan. “I think there will be some necessity for it, whether it’s in the form of…
Read MoreMSHA Hazard Alert Issued for Hoppers
MSHA issued a hazard alert for hoppers after a recent incident. A front-end loader operator was loading into the feed hopper. He dismounted from the cab to retrieve two 55-gal. drum lids from the hopper, when he fell into the hopper and became engulfed by the sand.
Read MoreMSHA Special Impact Inspections Hit New York Plant Hard
The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) announced federal inspectors issued 132 citations and two orders during special impact inspections conducted at 10 coal mines and five metal and nonmetal mines in December 2016.
Read MoreWorkplace Examination Rule to Go into Effect in May
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) announced it will issue its Final Rule for Examination of Working Places in Metal and Nonmetal Mines. The new rule will be published in the Federal Register on Jan. 23, 2017, and go into effect on May 23, 2017.
Read MoreBrrrr! Terex Trucks Offers Extreme Weather Protection Advice
By Mark S. Kuhar Winter is the time of the year when the relationship between man and machine is put to the ultimate test. From frostbite to fatigue failures, operating in extremely low temperatures where downtime is not an option is always a challenge. Terex Trucks’ Regional Customer Support Manager John Hunter offers some key practices to aid safe operation,…
Read MoreExamination Citation for Elevators Violated Due Process Rights
Judge Thomas McCarthy vacated an S&S citation issued against Cemex’s Demopolis plant under §56.18002(a) for allegedly failing to designate a competent person to inspect elevators for each shift. The decision is similar to a July 2016, decision by Judge Barbour. Judge McCarthy found that the Secretary did not give “fair notice” to the operator that elevators fell within the definition…
Read MoreThe Night Shift
This will be the last safety column by Randy Logsdon, as he has accepted appointment by the governor of New Mexico to the position of state mine inspector. We thank him for his contributions to Rock Products. – Ed.
Read MoreNew Construction Starts in November Slip 6 Percent
Nonbuilding Construction Descended 9 Percent; Highway And Bridge Construction Fell 16 Percent. By Mark S. Kuhar
Read MoreThe WIIN Act Is In; Will WOTUS Be Out?
The Water Infrastructure Improvements Act for the Nation (WIIN Act), formerly known as the Water Resources Development Act or WRDA, cleared the U.S. Senate by a vote of 78 to 21 after passing the U.S. House of Representatives. The bipartisan bill now heads to President Obama’s desk for his signature.
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