The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) completed impact inspections in October 2024 at 15 mines in Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Missouri, Nevada, New York, Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Wyoming and issued 286 violations.
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MSHA Completes Impact Inspections at Eight Mines in Seven States
The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) completed impact inspections in September 2024 at eight mines in Indiana, Kentucky, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia and Wisconsin and issued 112 violations.
Read MoreNIOSH Seeks Comment on Impact of Wildfire Smoke on Outdoor Workers
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), released the draft Hazard Review: “Wildland Fire Smoke Exposure Among Farmworkers and Other Outdoor Workers.” It is open for public comment until Nov. 12, 2024. Smoke from wildland fires has become an increasingly widespread and potentially serious threat to public health…
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 during a lunch session of the 2024 Legislative & Policy Forum. “Safety is a cornerstone of our industry,” said NSSGA President and CEO Michael Johnson.…
Read MoreMSHA Issues Health Alert on Diesel Particulate
The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) issued the following health alert. Diesel Particulate Matter (DPM) The exhaust from diesel engines contains a mixture of gases and very small particles that can create a health hazard when not properly controlled. What is Diesel Particulate Matter (DPM)? What are the health effects of DPM? Engineering controls: Administrative controls:
Read MoreMSHA Chief Calls On Mining Industry to Stay Vigilant for Safety
MSHA Assistant Secretary Chris Williamson has penned an open letter to the mining community: Dear Members of the Mining Community: Last year, as the mining industry experienced a troubling increase in fatal accidents, I asked the mining community to join the Mine Safety and Health Administration in identifying and eliminating safety and health hazards that can cost miners their lives.…
Read MoreInconsistency and Confusion ‘Rules’ the Day
MSHA’s “Safety Program for Surface Mobile Equipment” Rule Should Be Viewed As A Tool To Help Mining Companies Protect Their Workers And Manage Accidents. By Joseph P. McGuire Labeled a “Christmas Surprise,” the MSHA “Safety Program for Surface Mobile Equipment” rule was signed into law on Dec. 20, 2023. It became effective on Jan. 19, 2024, and requires mine operators…
Read MoreDepartment of Labor to Honor Workers Whose Jobs Claimed Their Lives
When the nation first observed Workers Memorial Day on April 28, 1970, an estimated 38 U.S. workers suffered fatal on-the-job injuries each day and many more endured debilitating respiratory diseases and other life-altering illnesses related to workplace exposures. Today, work-related injuries in the U.S. claim about 15 people’s lives a day. In 2022, a reported 5,486 workers suffered fatal injuries,…
Read MoreMSHA Launches Tool to Help Miners, Mining Communities
The U.S. Department of Labor announced that its Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) has unveiled an online platform to help miners and their families navigate the process of finding healthcare providers, facilities and related resources.
Read MoreMSHA Issues Alert on Rotating Conveyor Rollers
MSHA is reporting that three miners have been permanently disabled since the beginning of 2024 because of rotating conveyor rollers. Serious and fatal injuries occur when miners clean or adjust conveyor rollers, pulleys and idlers while the belt is in motion. Injuries vary from broken bones to loss of fingers, hands and arms. Some accidents have resulted in fatal injuries. …
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