As we journey toward the center of the year (already?), it is a good time to take stock of some things, how we’re doing, and what’s going well – and not so well. So, when someone says, “You want the good news first, or the bad news?” I generally will choose the latter. Rip off the Band-Aid, then let’s figure…
Read MoreTag: MSHA
James McHugh joins MSHA
Charleston, W.Va., lawyer James McHugh, with the Chris Pence Law Firm has joined the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) as deputy assistant secretary for policy. McHugh will head the agency temporarily until Wayne Palmer is confirmed by the U.S. Senate. McHugh has represented clients before the Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission and the Occupational Safety and…
Read MoreMSHA issues injury, fatality, S&S update
As of April 1, 2,201 injuries have been reported to the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) since Oct. 1, 2024. Fourteen were fatal injuries. For the remaining injuries, 1,523 were non-fatal and resulted in days lost or restricted duty (NFDL), 27 resulted in a permanent disability, and 637 resulted in no days lost or restricted duty. Since Oct. 1,…
Read MoreMSHA reports 11th fatality of 2025
MSHA reported that on March 28 at a sand and gravel operation in Washington, Kan., a miner was fatally injured at a surface mine when sand from the highwall engulfed the front-end loader he was operating. The miner was digging sand from the toe of the highwall. This is the 11th fatality reported in 2025, and the fifth classified as…
Read MoreOkay, settle(ment) down, now
This month I’d like to tell you about a problem that really shouldn’t be a problem. I’m talking about the current tempest-in-a-teapot that is approval of settlement motions in Mine Act enforcement cases. I’ll bet you already know this, but the vast majority of penalty cases that are filed with the Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission (which I’m…
Read MoreSmart PPE driving mining’s digital revolution
How some forward-thinking operators are discovering the improvement in safety and costs that can come from the emergence of smart PPE technology. A mining operation’s daily startup process remains critical and time-intensive to ensure the safety of those entering; teams and safety managers often begin their mornings managing extensive documentation, from verifying current certifications to reviewing equipment inspection records, often…
Read MoreLittler welcomes Adele Abrams as senior counsel
Littler, the world’s largest employment and labor law practice representing management, announced the addition of Adele L. Abrams as senior counsel in its expanding Washington, D.C. office. “Adele brings over three decades of legal experience, with a significant focus on safety, health and employment law. Her extensive background as a safety professional and trainer, along with her leadership skills, makes her…
Read MoreCourt temporarily blocks silica rule
A federal appeals court has temporarily blocked The Mine Safety and Health Administration’s silica dust rule to limit silica dust exposure for coal miners. It was supposed to take effect on April 14. The National Sand, Stone and Gravel Association recently sought an emergency stay of the rule in the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in St. Louis and…
Read MoreFive mine fatalities in first month of 2025
MSHA reported that five fatalities took place in January 2025 at mines in Texas, Pennsylvania and West Virginia. Two of these accidents took place at coal mines, while the others occurred at construction sand and gravel and dimension stone operations. On January 10, a mobile bridge carrier operator died at Wilson Creek Energy’s Acosta Deep coal mine in Somerset County,…
Read MoreMSHA reports 10th fatality
MSHA reported that on March 5, a miner at Calhoun Quarry #1. Jersey, Ill., was fatally injured at a surface mine when flyrock from blasting operations struck him. The miner was assisting in detonating the explosives. This is the 10th fatality reported in 2025, and the first classified as “Explosives and Breaking Agents.” MSHA recommends the following best practices to…
Read More