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.
Continue Reading Prepare for additional dust scrutiny
As manufacturing technology has evolved, the industry has long waited for OSHA regulations to catch up. In particular, lockout/tagout requirements (LOTO) have never allowed the latest control circuit technologies to protect workers. In addition, until now, OSHA has not addressed safety issues involving the latest wave of robotics in the workplace. That change now appears to be underway.
Continue Reading Would you like electronic lockout/tagout? Do you use robots? OSHA needs to hear from you!
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.
Continue Reading How can the petition for modification process be reformed? The Mining Coalition weighs in.
OSHA is surely bracing for new oversight as the new Congress gets down to business. Who will be the key players? What oversight and enforcement pressures will OSHA face? New people, new priorities, and new legislative initiatives are already here.
Continue Reading The view from DC: OSHA and its congressional overseers get new staff leaders as new OSHA bill would increase enforcement
MSHA engaged in an important exercise last year when it asked for comments on how to improve “powered haulage” safety in mining. But, are some important questions missing from the discussion?
Continue Reading An MSHA blind spot on powered haulage safety?
Based on questions we’ve fielded from clients, it seems many are understandably unsure what OSHA’s current position is on safety incentive programs. Here’s a quick rehash to clear it all up.
Continue Reading Clearing up confusion on OSHA’s safety incentive program policy (the “pizza party” rule)
Many of the MSHA regulations that are currently in effect were written in the 1970s; at that time in history, digital meant using your fingers (digits). Since then, technology has become so advanced that the regulations do not even address the latest hazards involved in mining.
Continue Reading What happens when technology and practice exceed MSHA regulations?
Next week – on February 12 and 13 – Husch Blackwell attorneys Erik Dullea, Phil Bower, Avi Meyerstein, Hal Perloff and Brian Waagner will be presenting at the 2019 NSSGA AGG1 Aggregates Academy & Expo in Indianapolis on a number of topics. Please join us if you are at the event.
Continue Reading Countdown to 2019 NSSGA AGG1 Aggregates Academy & Expo, February 12-13, in Indianapolis
Last week, the years-long saga of OSHA’s 2016 injury and illness record-keeping rule took another turn, leaving many employers confused about what injury records they must submit to OSHA. In this quick-and-easy FAQ, we clear up the confusion with answers to the top 10 questions about OSHA’s new injury and illness records rule.
Continue Reading Top 10 questions (and answers) about OSHA’s new record-keeping rule
When MSHA asked in a request for information (“RFI”) for data, experiences, and ideas on how to reduce “powered haulage” accidents, the implication of many of the RFI questions was that MSHA is looking to push mines to adopt new 21st-century technologies, such as object detection and collision avoidance systems. In response, Husch Blackwell’s Mining Coalition submitted detailed comments last month that outlined programs, strategies, and technologies that operators have found to be successful – and those that haven’t yet worked.
Continue Reading What can MSHA do about powered haulage? Husch Blackwell’s Mining Coalition weighs in.