MSHA details violations of California operation

Inspectors issued 172 citations, 21 orders and two safeguards during special impact inspections conducted at two metal/nonmetal mines and 10 coal mines, according to MSHA.

MSHA shared one operation’s inspection details: BCJ Sand and Rock Inc. of Butte County, Calif. MSHA inspectors issued 19 citations and 17 orders to the mine operator. Among the hazardous conditions cited was the operator’s failure to properly store an oxygen cylinder, which created a potential fire or explosion hazard. Also, the mine operator failed to repair a haul truck operating with six severely damaged tires.

In addition, the plant manager, who is considered a miner, continued to access the mine site without receiving the mandatory new miner training, despite being previously cited for this violation, MSHA reports. The mining company continued production operations in the face of an unwarrantable failure order that had not been abated, and it also allowed miners to clean the tail pulley of the main feed conveyor while the belt was in motion – a hazard MSHA says can injure or kill miners.