Mining/Oil/Gas

Houston – The Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement has launched a near-miss reporting system in an effort to improve the safety of offshore oil and gas operations.

Arlington, VA – Ten miners were killed during the first three months of 2015, according to preliminary data from the Mine Safety and Health Administration.

Arlington, VA – Coal mine dust samples taken after the Mine Safety and Health Administration implemented a rule to prevent deadly diseases known as “black lung” suggest that compliance is “highly achievable,” the agency announced April 23 during a hearing of the House Workforce Protections Subcommittee.

Washington – Five years after the tragedy at Upper Big Branch mine in West Virginia killed 29 workers, the Mine Safety and Health Administration has made strides to prevent similar incidents but still needs more tools, MSHA chief Joseph A. Main said during an April 23 hearing.

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.