Mining/Oil/Gas

An effort to help protect coal miners from a group of diseases collectively known as “black lung disease” has made progress, the Mine Safety and Health Administration has announced.

Underground coal mine operators will be required to use proximity detection systems on continuous mining machines, according to a final rule issued by the Mine Safety and Health Administration.

Coal mining-related deaths reached an all-time low in 2014, according to preliminary data released Jan. 5 by the Mine Safety and Health Administration.

Washington – The Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement has extended the comment period on a proposal that is intended to improve aviation safety on and around fixed offshore facilities.

Minneapolis – Longer work tenure and higher exposure to certain particles put Minnesota iron miners at an increased risk of a rare form of lung cancer, according to a new study from the University of Minnesota.

Washington – Congressional Democrats have introduced legislation intended to strengthen a federal benefits program for miners suffering from black lung disease.

Charleston, WV – Former Massey Energy Co. CEO Donald Blankenship conspired against and lied to federal officials about safety at the Upper Big Branch mine – site of an April 2010 methane explosion that killed 29 workers – to make more money, according to a federal indictment announced Nov. 15.

Washington – California should strengthen its process safety management regulations for refineries, the Chemical Safety Board stated in a final report on a fire at a Chevron refinery in 2012.

Arlington, VA – The Mine Safety and Health Administration has scheduled informal public hearings on its proposal to revise procedures for assessing civil penalties.