Inconsistency 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…

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DOL Offers Safety App for Spanish-Speaking Miners

The U.S. Department of Labor announced that its Miner Safety and Health app for iOS and Android devices is now available in Spanish. In August 2022, the Mine Safety and Health Administration launched the app’s original version. With today’s launch, Spanish-speaking miners will have access to the app’s benefits. Users will need to switch their phone settings to Spanish to…

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Excavator Operator Killed at Tennessee Quarry

On July 25, a 59-year-old excavator operator, with 17 years of experience, was killed at Vulcan Materials Savannah Quarry in Tennessee. Prior to the accident, the victim was loading shot rock into haul trucks. While waiting for the haul trucks to return, the victim was separating out oversized rocks when the cab of his excavator was struck by falling material…

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Main Tells NSSGA ‘We Owe Miners a Safe Workplace’

Joseph A. Main, assistant secretary of labor for Mine Safety and Health, addressed members of the National Stone, Sand and Gravel Association (NSSGA) at its convention March 5 in Las Vegas. Main covered a variety of topics, and noted that “the actions taken by MSHA and the mining community to improve mine safety and health” have put the industry “on…

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MSHA Reports 2013 Accident Statistics

According to preliminary data released by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Mine Safety and Health Administration, 42 miners died in work-related accidents at the nation’s mines in 2013, an increase from the 36 miners who died in 2012. While mining fatalities occurred at a record low rate for the first three quarters of 2013, during the fourth quarter of 2013,…

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