The most recent Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) Regulatory Agenda shows a further delay for the agency to finally promulgate long-awaited changes to its Chemical Accident Prevention Program, also known as the Risk Management Program (“RMP”). After Obama made major changes, the Trump EPA delayed them and now seeks to reverse them. Want to understand this complicated saga and learn what to expect? Read on.
MSHA
Dazed by the complexity of state and federal marijuana laws? How to maintain safety without tripping over legal obstacles.
By Donna Pryor on
The nation’s largest drug testing laboratory, Quest Diagnostics, recently released its latest data on the the number of workers and job applicants who tested positive for drugs in the U.S. workforce. According to the data, marijuana use in the workforce climbed 10% last year to 2.3% according to an analysis of 10 million urine, saliva…
Environmental cross-post: CERCLA Update
By Avi Meyerstein on
Posted in MSHA
Though we usually stick to safety and health, our colleague’s recent environmental column caught our eyes for our mining industry readers. As Megan Caldwell wrote in a recent issue of Rock Products, the hardrock mining financial assurance saga is far from over.
Prepare for additional dust scrutiny
By Erik Dullea on
Posted in MSHA, Rulemaking news
MSHA may have its eyes on respirable dust. A focus on coal dust in recent years may be shifting to include silica. What started as a concern primarily in coal mines may soon lead to stricter rules and enforcement that affect both coal and metal/non-metal operators.
Will Google Glass and other virtual reality wearables play a new role in workplace safety?
By Avi Meyerstein on
An article last week by Thomas Black at Bloomberg News reveals that Google Glass – and other virtual reality “wearables” are finding their place at work even if they didn’t initially succeed with consumers. The implications for safety could be significant.
Prepare for additional coal dust scrutiny
By Erik Dullea on
Posted in Enforcement updates, MSHA
With congressional, media, and MSHA pressure to focus on black lung disease, mine operators should expect stringent enforcement of coal dust standards and potentially new regulation, as well. In the latest edition of Coal Age magazine, I take a look at the latest developments and offer some thoughts on how MSHA may respond.
Does most mine safety enforcement go to areas of least risk? Is there a better way?
By Avi Meyerstein on
Posted in MSHA
As I write in the current issue of Rock Products magazine, mining is an industry approaching zero, with record low fatality rates. But, enforcement doesn’t always follow risk. Mines account for only 0.5% of U.S. workplace fatalities but have 40% of federal safety dollars. Even within mining, mines with fantastic safety records are just as likely to get intensive MSHA inspections as those with severe problems. Is there a better way?
How can the petition for modification process be reformed? The Mining Coalition weighs in.
By Avi Meyerstein on
Posted in MSHA, Rulemaking news
In a little-noticed “information collection” notice, MSHA asked for public comment about whether its petition for modification process is necessary, practical, or burdensome. Last week, Husch Blackwell’s Mining Coalition weighed in with ideas for how MSHA can reform the process.
Marijuana at work? As state law develops, time to revisit policies.
By Donna Pryor on
When medical marijuana first started to become legal, many employers in mining and other safety-sensitive industries adopted zero-tolerance policies. After all, safety at these work sites is critical. But, new court decisions are calling this approach into question.
On the hill, Acosta emphasizes safety benefits of compliance assistance
By Brian Hendrix on
When Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta testified before Congress earlier this month, he emphasized balancing safety agencies’ legal obligations and commitments with President Trump’s commitment to deregulation. Meanwhile, members from both parties on the Subcommittee of Labor, Health, Human Services, Education and Related Agencies of the House Committee on Appropriations focused heavily on $1.2 billion in proposed budget cuts at the Department of Labor (but not for OSHA or MSHA).