The U.S. Department of Labor announced that its Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) completed impact inspections at 20 mines in 15 states in April 2023 and found 335 violations. Since Jan. 1, 2023, MSHA’s inspections identified 914 violations, including 257 significant and substantial and 18 unwarrantable failure findings. A significant and substantial violation is one reasonably likely to cause…
Read MoreCategory: Safety & Health
McGuire: Many Companies Already Complying with New Silica Proposal
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) on June 30 announced a proposal by its Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) to amend current federal standards to better protect the nation’s miners from health hazards related to exposure to respirable crystalline silica, or silica dust. The proposed rule change will ensure miners have at least the same level of protections as workers in…
Read MoreBrass Knuckle SmartFlex 400 Series Gloves
With long-lasting comfort comes increased compliance. That’s the thought behind the SmartFlex 400 Series hand protection from Brass Knuckle. Three gloves, each designed with a 13-gauge nylon shell offering abrasion resistance, uncoated back and wrist to encourage all-day wear, and ultra-thin polyurethane coating on the palm and finger area for an amazingly sensitive gripping surface. Every glove in the 400…
Read MoreMSHA Issues Warning About Highwalls
According to the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA), since 2012, falling rocks and materials from hazardous highwalls have resulted in nine mining fatalities and 27 serious injuries.
Read MoreAggregates Operations Earn Sentinels of Safety Awards
In a ceremony in Washington, D.C., the National Mining Association (NMA), the U.S. National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health and the U.S. Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement honored outstanding achievements in mine safety and technology. NMA’s Sentinels of Safety Award recognizes mining operations in 10 categories for recording the most hours in a calendar year without a…
Read MoreSlingshot Safety Glasses
Slingshot (BKFLEX-4050AFP) safety glasses by Brass Knuckle load up on eye-protecting features and puts them in a package that manages to be sporty and stylish – and affordable and functional. Slingshot brings together world-leading anti-fog and the highest UV protection, adds all-day-wear comfort features, and never breaks the bank. Fog and UV rays are ever-present bullies to workers in extreme…
Read MoreNSSGA Announces Safety Award Recipients
The National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association (NSSGA) announced the winners of the Safety Excellence Awards, the Louis Griesemer Sterling Safety Awards and the James M. Christie Safety and Health Professional of the Year Award. “Safety is a core value across our members and their operations. We congratulate this year’s winners of the Safety Awards, as they represent the best…
Read MoreMSHA Reports 14th, 15th Fatalities
The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) reported that on June 20, a contract driller was working outside of his drill at 3M Little Rock Industrial Mineral Products, Pulaski County, Ark., when he fell from the top of a highwall. This is the 14th fatality reported in 2022, and the second classified as “Slip or Fall of Person.” To avoid…
Read MoreQuestionable Study Raises Health Concerns for Sand and Gravel Workers
A new study by Michigan State University shows an increase in doctor visits for shortness of breath among long-term sand and gravel mine workers in the state, compared to the rate for production workers in other industries. But does the study bring up legitimate concerns or was it designed to highlight a solution to a problem that does not exist?…
Read MoreWilliamson Confirmed as New MSHA Assistant Secretary
The U.S. Senate held a voice vote and confirmed Chris Williamson as the next assistant secretary for mine safety and health. The West Virginia native comes to the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) from the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) where he was senior counsel to Chair Lauren McFerran. Prior to working at the NLRB, Williamson held positions at…
Read More