Tag: MSHA & The Law

Best practices for when MSHA requests documents

January 6, 2020By William Doran and Margo Lopez

Operators are understandably not enthusiastic about turning over materials to the Mine Safety & Health Administration (MSHA), so preparation is key in the event the agency makes such a request.

Aggregate producers may see rulemaking on powered haulage safety in 2020, perhaps incorporating requirements for deploying new tech into current safety standards. Photo by Kevin Yanik

A year of twists and turns with MSHA

December 14, 2019By William Doran and Margo Lopez

Ogletree Deakins’ Bill Doran and Margo Lopez reflect on the Mine Safety & Health Administration’s (MSHA) key 2019 developments.

If 21st century technology can improve both jobsite safety and production, there’s no reason not to embrace change. Photo: iStock.com/SeventyFour

When narratives are missing facts from MSHA investigations

November 8, 2019By Margo Lopez and William Doran

Ogletree Deakins’ Bill Doran and Margo Lopez explain why keeping a level head during Mine Safety & Health Administration (MSHA) investigations is critical.

Interpreting mine safety regulations no simple business

October 16, 2019By William Doran and Margo Lopez

Ogletree Deakins’ Bill Doran and Margo Lopez explore some of the regulatory inconsistencies mine operators have experienced with the Mine Safety & Health Administration.

Aggregate producers are raising concerns as MSHA merges coal inspectors with the metal/nonmetal mining sector. Photo by Kevin Yanik

‘One MSHA’ growing pains

September 24, 2019By William Doran and Margo Lopez

Developing a relationship with the Mine Safety & Health Administration (MSHA) outside of the inspection transaction is crucial to your compliance efforts.

The Ohio Aggregates & Industrial Minerals Association approached the Ohio Department of Transportation about producing a study that would examine the effects communities would experience if one local quarry was removed. Photo by Kevin Yanik.

MSHA’s role in natural disasters

July 19, 2019By Margo Lopez and William Doran

Given MSHA’s expansive regulatory coverage, producers should expect the Mine Safety & Health Administration (MSHA) to consider any natural disaster-related activity at a mine to be under its domain.

Understanding MSHA’s informal conference process

June 13, 2019By Margo Lopez and William Doran

Ogletree Deakins’ Bill Doran and Margo Lopez explain how the process can provide an efficient means for addressing issues with citations early on.

Autonomous vehicles and MSHA

April 8, 2019By William Doran and Margo Lopez

Ogletree Deakins’ Bill Doran and Margo Lopez examine evolving aggregate industry tech and how the Mine Safety & Health Administration (MSHA) will respond.