Mining/Oil/Gas

Washington – The Mine Safety and Health Administration has published a pair of hazard alerts in response to an increase in fatalities at metal and non-metal mines.

Washington – Workers who gauge tanks during oil and gas extraction flowback procedures may be exposed to dangerous levels of benzene and other volatile chemicals, according to NIOSH.

Washington – A rule that aims to reduce miner exposure to harmful coal dust went into effect Aug. 1.

Washington – The Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement is seeking public comment on a petition to ban visible nitrogen oxide clouds during blasting at surface coal mining operations.

Arlington, VA – Minimum penalties for some mining violations would increase under a proposed rule from the Mine Safety and Health Administration.

Arlington, VA – More mining deaths occurred during the first half of 2014 than during the same time period last year, according to a fatality update from the Mine Safety and Health Administration.

Washington – Coal miners seeking benefits under the Black Lung Benefits Act wait hundreds of days for their cases to be heard, despite government efforts to speed up the process, Sen. Bob Casey (D-PA) claimed during a July 22 hearing of the Senate Employment and Workplace Safety Subcommittee.

Bismarck, ND – OSHA is sending additional inspectors into North Dakota as part of an enforcement emphasis program intended to address worker safety concerns in the state’s high-hazard industries.

Washington – The U.S. Coast Guard has extended its deadline to Sept. 8 for public comment on a proposed rule that would expand maritime safety training requirements.

Arlington, VA – The Mine Safety and Health Administration has released materials for its annual campaign to address roof and rib (wall) falls in underground coal mines.