Mining/Oil/Gas

Arlington, VA – The Mine Safety and Health Administration did not issue any Pattern of Violations notices for the third consecutive year, the federal agency announced Aug. 2. The most recent screening period for the 13,000-plus mining operations in the United States was July 1, 2016, to June 30.

Sacramento, CA – The California Department of Industrial Relations and the California Environmental Protection Agency have approved final regulations intended to improve hazard prevention and management at the state’s 15 oil refineries.

Arlington, VA – The Mine Safety and Health Administration has launched its annual campaign intended to promote roof and rib fall hazard awareness among coal miners and mine operators, while also focusing on continuous mining machine operator safety.

Arlington, VA – A recent rise in fatalities and injuries among less-experienced coal miners has prompted the Mine Safety and Health Administration to launch a training assistance initiative.

Boulder, CO – Researchers are calling on Colorado to require reporting of all fires and explosions in the state’s oil and gas industry, after an analysis showed an incident rate significantly lower than that of neighboring Utah, where reporting is mandatory.

Washington – In an effort to prevent fatalities stemming from the ignition of vapors by vehicles and motorized equipment in the oil and gas industry, OSHA; NIOSH; and the National Service, Transmission, Exploration & Production Safety Network have partnered on a hazard alert.

Washington – Scott Angelle is the new director of the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement, the federal agency announced May 22. His appointment was effective May 23.

Washington – OSHA needs to work more efficiently to ensure employers are reducing or eliminating hazards, the Department of Labor Office of Inspector General recommended in its semiannual report to Congress.

Oakland, CA – The Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board for California’s Department of Industrial Relations has approved a regulation aimed at “anticipating, preventing and responding to hazards” at the state’s oil refineries.

Arlington, VA – The Mine Safety and Health Administration has delayed until Oct. 2 the effective date of a final rule intended to improve pre-shift examinations of metal and non-metal mines, according to a notice published in the May 22 Federal Register.