Just before the Labor Day holiday, the Mine Safety and Health Administration published a long-expected silica request for information (RFI) on possible further regulatory action to address silica (most often found as quartz) in workplaces. From past statements by current MSHA officials and the text of the RFI, it remains unclear how fast or how far MSHA may go in further the regulating exposures to one of the most commonly-found elements on Earth.
Understanding MSHA Litigation and Saving Costs
By Donna Pryor, Erik Dullea & Mark Savit on
Posted in MSHA
The average mining operator now spends $20,000 per year on citations and penalties. In this must-attend conference for cost-savings, learn how to reduce or eliminate fines with the added benefit of improved safety conditions. With increasing citations, this workshop will prepare you to handle Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) inspectors and their findings.
OSHA moves to potentially adjust silica rule
By Avi Meyerstein on
Posted in OSHA, Rulemaking news
Last week, OSHA began a potential rulemaking process to expand what some might consider exceptions to the 2016 silica rule in construction. Here’s what we know…
What does the new leadership at DOL mean for OSHA and MSHA?
By Avi Meyerstein on
With the departure of Alexander Acosta as Secretary of Labor, the Department immediately got an acting chief who is expected to more closely align with the White House. Meanwhile, the nominee to replace him, Eugene Scalia, is well known for his DOL and workplace safety-related law practice. What do these new leaders mean for OSHA and MSHA?
Nevada operator and employer alert: New marijuana bill becomes law
By Donna Pryor on
A new Nevada law will soon prohibit employers from denying employment to job applicants who test positive for marijuana use in pre-employment drug testing. What does this mean for your company and its safety sensitive positions?
Chemical accident rules? EPA’s accidental release prevention requirements remain uncertain…
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.
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…
Look! Up in the sky … it’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s OSHA?
By Erik Dullea on
Posted in Enforcement updates, OSHA
An internal DOL memorandum last year to OSHA regional administrators confirms that OSHA can deploy Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) otherwise referred to as “drones” equipped with cameras to assist with its enforcement and regulatory functions. What do employers need to know? How should you respond to a drone inspection?
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.