MSHA has published the proposed silica rule on their website. Among other things, MSHA proposes to set the permissible exposure limit of respirable crystalline silica at 50 micrograms per cubic meter of air (µg/m3) for a full shift exposure, calculated as an 8-hour time-weighted average for all miners.Continue Reading MSHA Releases Proposed Silica Rule
According to Bloomberg Law, Assistant Secretary of Labor for MSHA, Chris Williamson, has stated that beginning this month the agency will resume a practice that ended in 2020 – publicizing the names of mines targeted for impact inspections. Every month, MSHA conducts targeted inspections at mines that according to the agency merit increased attention due to their compliance history or “certain compliance concerns.” Past monthly targeted inspection results are published on the MSHA website.Continue Reading MSHA to Renew Practice of Publicizing Mines Targeted for Impact Inspections
The average mine operator now spends over $20,000 per year on citations and penalties. In this must-attend conference, learn how to reduce or eliminate fines with the added benefit of improved safety conditions. Within the context of increasing citations, this workshop will prepare you to handle Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) inspectors and their findings.Continue Reading Understanding MSHA Litigation
The average mine operator now spends over $20,000 per year on citations and penalties. In this must-attend conference – Alternative Case Resolution Initiative (ACRI) – learn how to reduce or eliminate fines with the added benefit of improved safety conditions. Within the context of increasing citations, this workshop will prepare you to handle Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) inspectors and their findings.
This two-and-a-half-day workshop includes breakfast and lunch and will cover:
Continue Reading Understanding MSHA Litigation and Saving Costs
MSHA has announced a new enforcement initiative regarding overexposure to respirable crystalline silica.
The silica enforcement initiative is intended “to take immediate action to reduce the risks the silica exposure.” The initiative will include:
As a follow up to our April 28, 2022 post, MSHA has now published information about the Enhanced Enforcement Program on the agency’s website. Please reach out with any questions to a member of Husch Blackwell’s Safety and Health team.
On April 4, 2022, MSHA began a new enhanced enforcement program. Due to the number of fatalities around the country, all citations written under the following standards will be considered and reviewed for a special assessment (increased penalty):
Continue Reading MSHA Begins New Enhanced Enforcement Program in Coal and Metal/Nonmetal
MSHA finally has a new leader. On March 29, 2022, the U.S. Senate confirmed by voice vote Christopher Williamson (Williamson) as Assistant Secretary for the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) at the Department of Labor. Williamson most recently has held the position of Senior Counsel to Chairman Lauren McFerran of the National Labor Relations
MSHA has announced a new campaign focusing on mine operators’ obligations to ensure that miners are fully trained and able to take time to follow best safety practices. To that end, MSHA is providing resources on powered haulage, rib and roof falls, fire suppression, and lockout/tagout. Mines should expect increased enforcement around training about these
President Biden has nominated Christopher Williamson for the position of Assistant Secretary for Mine Safety and Health. The White House statement on the nominee states Mr. Williamson is a “native of the coalfields of southern West Virginia,” though he has no known mining experience.
Mr. Williamson graduated from law school approximately 11 years ago and