The U.S. Department of Labor announced that its Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) completed impact inspections at 13 mines in 10 states in October 2023, issuing 215 violations. MSHA began impact inspections after an April 2010 explosion in West Virginia at the Upper Big Branch Mine killed 29 miners. Inspections took place at Carmeuse, Arcoa, Eagle Materials and Clyde…
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CREATING AN EFFECTIVE DUST MANAGEMENT PLAN
When it comes to DMPs, what works for one mine or quarry might not apply to another – but there are ways for any operation to ensure success. By Michael Kelley, president, BossTek A dust management plan (DMP) is very specific to the industry and application. For example, one site’s needs may look vastly different from that of a port.…
Read MoreMSHA Issues Cold Weather Health & Safety Alerts
MSHA is advising that cold weather can cause cold stress, which can lead to hypothermia, frostbite and other severe injuries, and illnesses. The agency recommends the following best practices: In addition, some portable heaters can emit deadly carbon monoxide (CO). CO is odorless and colorless and can accumulate in confined spaces and enclosed areas such as the cabs of vehicles,…
Read MoreMSHA reveals results of September impact inspections
The U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) said it issued more than 120 safety and health violations at nine mines in seven states as part of its September impact inspection initiative. Of the total 123 violations identified by MSHA in September, 17 were evaluated as significant and substantial (S&S). The agency completed inspections at mines in Illinois, Kentucky, Maryland,…
Read MoreMSHA reports 31st fatality of 2023
MSHA reported that on Sept. 8, a miner at Clyde Holding’s Sewickley Mine, Indiana, Pa., died after entering a hopper to clear an obstruction. A front-end loader dumped two loads of crushed limestone into the hopper with the miner inside. This is the 31st fatality reported in 2023, and the seventh classified as “Powered Haulage.” MSHA recommends the following best…
Read More$1 million issued in Brookwood-Sago mine safety grant money
The U.S. Department of Labor announced $1 million in grants to nine organizations in seven states to support education and training initiatives that will help identify and prevent unsafe working conditions in and around the nation’s mines. Administered by the department’s Mine Safety and Health Administration, the Brookwood-Sago Mine Safety grant program will allow recipients to create training materials, promote…
Read MoreEssential Minerals Association, MSHA commit to safety
The Essential Minerals Association (EMA) and the Department of Labor’s Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) renewed a 20-year alliance focused on fostering a culture of safety and prevention throughout the minerals industry. The agreement was signed at EMA’s Fall Conference & Fly-In, held in Washington, D.C. “EMA and MSHA have enjoyed a close relationship for 20 years through the…
Read MoreJudge orders producer to complete safety training or stay off site
On Oct. 13, Judge John L. Kane entered an agreed consent order and judgment requiring Duckels Construction Inc., Steamboat Springs, Colo., to prevent owner Fred Duckels from entering the mining site permanently until he completes and provides proof of mandatory safety training. After an investigation by the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA), the mine owner was ordered to stay…
Read MoreMSHA reports 25th, 26th fatalities of 2023
The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) reported in August that, on July 17, a miner at Holcim’s Swampscott Quarry, Essex County, Mass., died while performing repairs on a gyratory crusher. When a component was being suspended by a crane, a lifting eye welded to the component broke free striking the miner. This is the 25th fatality reported in 2023,…
Read MoreFirst silica hearing held
Louisville Public Media reported in August details of the first Mine Safety and Health Administration hearing to gather comments on the recently proposed silica standards. The regulation would affect every mine, cement plant, and rock quarry in the country regardless of the material produced there. It would add protections for non-coal workers like requiring companies to offer free medical exams…
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