The U.S. Department of Labor 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 other industries.…
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Legislative and Federal Update
An Update Of Recent Legislation And Initiatives Coming Out Of Washington, D.C. Senate Passes Water Resources Development ActThe U.S. Senate passed the 2022 Water Resources Development Act – a bill to provide for improvements to the rivers and harbors of the United States, to provide for the conservation and development of water and related resources, and for other purposes –…
Read MoreMSHA Launches Silica Initiative
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) has launched a new enforcement initiative to “better protect the nation’s miners from health hazards resulting from repeated overexposure to respirable crystalline silica.” MSHA said that silica dust affects thousands of miners each year and, without adequate protection, miners face risks of serious illnesses, many of which can be…
Read MoreMSHA Launches Silica Dust Initiative
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) has launched a new enforcement initiative to “better protect the nation’s miners from health hazards resulting from repeated overexposure to respirable crystalline silica.” MSHA said that silica dust affects thousands of miners each year and, without adequate protection, miners face risks of serious illnesses, many of which can be…
Read MoreOSHA Respirable Crystalline Silica Rule Coming Fast
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) said that that many of its standards are nearing final rule status, including the Respirable Crystalline Silica rule, but may have delayed deadlines.
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Comprehensive data compiled by a respected air-monitoring scientist demonstrates that people living near frac sand facilities are safe from exposure to hazardous levels of crystalline silica. A study conducted by Dr. John Richards of Air Control Techniques used 657 daily average PM4 crystalline silica measurements, almost two years’ worth of data, and it found the long-term average concentrations measured at…
Read MoreMinnesota City Monitors Silica Levels
In January 2014, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) placed air-quality monitors in the city of Winona, Minn. The monitors were placed primarily to measure general particulates and crystalline silica adjacent to a silica sand transportation route.
Read MoreNSSGA VP Testifies before OSHA on Silica Rule
The National Stone, Sand and Gravel Association’s (NSSGA) Senior Vice President of Legislative & Regulatory Affairs Pam Whitted testified before the Occupational Safety and Health Administration on the potential impacts of OSHA’s crystalline silica proposed rule. The agency’s analysis for the proposed regulation will provide the basis for a similar regulation by the Mine Safety and Health Administration later this…
Read MoreIndustry Slams OSHA’s Crystalline Silica Proposal
By Mark S. Kuhar The Construction Industry Safety Coalition, which represents 25 different construction trade associations, issued the following statement on Feb. 11, 2014, as it filed comments regarding the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) proposed Crystalline Silica Rulemaking: “After an exhaustive analysis that involved hundreds of construction safety professionals, builders, construction managers and specialty trade contractors representing virtually…
Read MoreFirst Look – March 2014
Vulcan Reports GainsVulcan Materials reports that in the fourth quarter of 2013, net sales increased $78 million, or 14 percent.
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