Last year, this column featured a six-part series focused on expanding our approach to safety beyond the six sides of a proverbial box. This is a recap of those six articles. – Ed Most can agree that the typical box is made up of six panels – top, bottom and four sides. That same structure can be applied to the…
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December Impact Inspections Target Cement Plant
The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) announced that federal inspectors issued 135 citations, 24 orders and one safeguard during special impact inspections conducted at 11 coal mines and two metal and nonmetal mines in December.
Read MoreFirst Fatality Hits Aggregates Industry
On January 8, a 63-year-old sales manager with 11 years of experience was killed at a sand and gravel mine. He was installing new screen panels in the B tower screen.
Read MoreMSHA Releases Regulatory Agenda
The U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) released its fall regulatory agenda Nov. 24. The agency states that it is on track in conducting the rulemaking on reform of civil penalties; comments are due Jan. 9, according to the National Stone, Sand and Gravel Association.
Read MoreUnwarrantable Failure Criteria Not Met In Crane Assembly Project
By Ellen Smith A company violated §56.16009, which states, “persons shall stay clear of suspended loads,” where a miner did not stay clear of a suspended load during a crane assembly project. But the violation was not due to an unwarrantable failure to comply, the Review Commission ruled on Dec. 10, 2014.
Read MoreSafety is a Local Thing
By Randy K Logsdon The former Speaker of the House of Representatives Tip O’Neil was a colorful character. Despite being on opposite sides of the political pond, he and then President Ronald Reagan became good friends and enjoyed sharing Irish jokes.
Read MorePOV Violates Due Process, ALJ Rules; Denies Motion for Emergency Stay
ALJ William Moran dismissed a Pattern of Violations charge against Patriot Coal’s Brody Mining on Nov. 1, stating that the POV charge is a violation of due process. The Judge called the POV process “patently unfair, almost rigged,” and said that companies do not know what evidence to present for their defense.
Read MoreThe Power of Knowledge
Many parts of the Southwest are designated as open range. My community in southeast New Mexico is one of those areas. In open range areas, cattle are not segregated from some infrequently traveled state and county roads.
Read MoreMSHA Releases 2015 Regulatory Agenda
The U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) released its fall regulatory agenda Nov. 24. The agency states that it is on track in conducting the rulemaking on reform of civil penalties; comments are due Jan. 9, according to the National Stone, Sand and Gravel Association.
Read MoreA Good Safety Record is Not A Mitigating Factor in Lowering Penalties
By Ellen Smith A good safety record at a quarry, and having an injury-free operation, is not a mitigating factor in determining final penalties for violations of the Mine Act, Review Commission ALJ Alan Paez ruled in a case involving the Campbell County, Tenn., Highway Dept. located in Jacksboro, Tenn.
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