Mining/Oil/Gas

Richmond, CA – Agencies tasked with overseeing refinery safety in California need better coordination and stronger regulation, concludes a new report from the state’s Interagency Working Group on Refinery Safety.

Arlington, VA – Mining fatality and injury rates hit a record low in 2012, according to final data released July 10 by the Mine Safety and Health Administration.

London – Workers in the lead industry are experiencing reductions in exposure, and a majority of them have blood-lead levels below regulatory limits, the International Lead Association announced July 9.

Washington – The Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement is establishing an independent research institute and looking for candidates to manage it.

Washington – The Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement expects offshore oil and gas companies to maintain a positive safety culture, according to a BSEE policy statement.

Washington – Failure to apply inherently safer design principles, conduct damage mechanism hazard reviews and implement safeguards led to the hydrocarbon release and fire at a Chevron refinery in August 2012, concludes a draft report from the Chemical Safety Board.

Washington – Calling it “vital to improving the health and safety of American workers,” House Democrats on April 18 reintroduced legislation to update the Occupational Safety and Health Act.

Washington – The Department of the Interior on April 4 issued a final rule expanding safety requirements for the offshore drilling industry.

Dallas – OSHA Region 6 is sponsoring a safety stand-down in February for the oil and gas industry.