Tag: MSHA & The Law

Doran & Lopez: How mining responded swiftly to the crisis

March 30, 2020 By William Doran and Margo Lopez

Ogletree Deakins’ Bill Doran and Margo Lopez applaud the mining industry for their ability to adapt on the fly and rapidly implement new policies and procedures during the coronavirus pandemic.

Coming to grips with MSHA’s enforcement of structural integrity

February 29, 2020 By William Doran and Margo Lopez

There has been an uptick in enforcement efforts related to structural integrity over the past six to seven years, due in large part to some high-profile structural failures at mines around the country.

Continuous improvement is an important and necessary part of a safety program. Photo: IPGGutenbergUKLtd/Getty Images

Resolving to carry out safety improvements in 2020

February 19, 2020 By Margo Lopez and William Doran

Over time, everyone’s initial diligence in carrying out safety improvements falls by the wayside. Continuous improvement is important and necessary.

Best practices for when MSHA requests documents

January 6, 2020 By 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, 2019 By 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, 2019 By 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, 2019 By 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, 2019 By 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, 2019 By 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.