Mining/Oil/Gas

Arlington, VA – The Mine Safety and Health Administration on Jan. 9 announced it is reopening two comment periods: one regarding a Request for Information on underground miner exposure to diesel exhaust, and the other on a proposed rule that would require underground coal mine operators to equip coal-hauling machines and scoops with proximity detection systems.

Atlanta – A radiology practice in eastern Kentucky diagnosed 60 current or former coal miners with progressive massive fibrosis – the most severe case of black lung disease – between January 2015 and August 2016, according to a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Washington – A total of 4,836 deaths due to workplace injuries occurred in 2015 – a 0.3 percent increase over 2014 and the most since 5,214 workers died in 2008, according to data released Dec. 16 by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Arlington, VA – The Mine Safety and Health Administration has released its annual safety alert to call attention to the unique hazards the mining industry faces during the winter months.

Arlington, VA – The Mine Safety and Health Administration took time on Dec. 6 to honor the hundreds of workers who died in the worst mining disaster in U.S. history, and to recognize those who work in the industry today, as part of National Miners Day.

Washington – A new hazard alert aims to prevent fatalities associated with hot work on oilfield tanks, tankers and related equipment.

Cheyenne, WY – Thirty job-related deaths occurred in Wyoming in 2015, down nearly 12 percent from the 34 deaths recorded the previous year, according to a recent report from the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services.

Washington – The Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement has expanded its near-miss reporting system to include the confidential collection of equipment failure reports, in an effort to further improve the safety of offshore oil and gas operations.

Washington – The national injury and illness rate for private-sector employees decreased in 2015, continuing a more than decade-long trend, according to data released Oct. 27 by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Washington – The Department of Health and Human Services has finalized amendments to NIOSH’s Coal Workers’ Health Surveillance Program regulations to set standards that require coal mine operators to present a plan for providing lung testing and X-ray exams to surface and underground coal miners.