Mining/Oil/Gas

Arlington, VA – Despite an improved overall injury rate in the mining industry, the number of worker deaths increased in 2014, particularly at metal and non-metal mines, according to preliminary data released by the Mine Safety and Health Administration.

Washington – A new proposed rule from the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement would attempt to address gaps in offshore drilling safety identified during investigations into the Deepwater Horizon disaster.

Washington – On March 23, the 10th anniversary of a deadly BP refinery explosion in Texas City, TX, OSHA and the Chemical Safety Board separately reflected on what must be done to better prevent similar tragedies.

Baltimore – Chronic violators have declined and industry compliance has improved in the mining industry in the past five years, but a recent increase in fatalities at metal/non-metal mines is a concern, Mine Safety and Health Administration chief Joseph A. Main told audience members March 16 at the annual convention of the National Stone, Sand and Gravel Association.

Charleston, WV – Lawmakers in West Virginia passed a bill that will revise several mining laws within the state but is drawing criticism from safety advocates.

Arlington, VA – The Mine Safety and Health Administration is offering two online tools intended to help mine operators and workers review violations of safety standards.

As part of its efforts to improve miner safety, the Mine Safety and Health Administration has released an electrical safety alert to remind miners of best practices.

Arlington, VA -- The deaths of two mine contractors in January, as well as seven contractor fatalities in 2014, have prompted the Mine Safety and Health Administration to issue an alert highlighting best practices.

Arlington, VA – The Mine Safety and Health Administration has clarified certain provisions of a proposed rule http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2014-07-31/pdf/2014-17935.pdf that would amend how civil penalties are assessed.

The Mine Safety and Health Administration is ramping up efforts to improve safety at metal and non-metal mines after an “unacceptable” increase in deaths, MSHA chief Joseph A. Main wrote in a Jan. 30 letter to mining stakeholders.