Mining/Oil/Gas

Washington — Proposed legislation that would ease access to health care and other benefits for coal miners who have black lung disease is advancing in the House.

Washington — The Senate on March 29 confirmed Christopher Williamson as the new head of the Mine Safety and Health Administration.

Washington — The White House is seeking a 14.5% funding increase for OSHA under the Department of Labor’s fiscal year 2023 budget request, released March 28.

Toronto — A recent decision by Ontario’s Workplace Safety and Insurance Board to formally recognize Parkinson’s disease as an occupational disorder linked to McIntyre Powder exposure guarantees provincial compensation benefits to affected workers and their families, Minister of Labor Monte McNaughton has announced.

Washington — OSHA is set to receive a $20 million increase in its fiscal year 2022 budget after President Joe Biden signed the Consolidated Appropriations Act (H.R. 2471) on March 15.

Arlington, VA — Responding to what the agency calls an “unacceptable trend” of recent miner deaths stemming from inadequate training and inattention, the Mine Safety and Health Administration has launched a campaign intended to reiterate to mine operators their responsibility to ensure safe workplaces and prevent fatal incidents.

Washington — In response to an “increase in incidents involving grating” on offshore energy platforms, the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement has issued a safety alert.

Arlington, VA — The Mine Safety and Health Administration is reminding miners working near oil and gas wells to remain aware that “an inadvertent intersection with one of these wells” could be hazardous.

Washington — Christopher Williamson’s nomination to lead the Mine Safety and Health Administration moved closer to Senate confirmation after advancing out of the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee by a voice vote Feb. 10.

Washington — Proposed legislation would create funding for health care and other benefits for coal miners who have black lung disease by extending, for 10 years, a recently expired excise tax rate increase on coal production.