Aggregates operators obtained a historically low injury rate in 2015, according to NSSGA Vice President for Safety Joseph Casper, speaking at the MSHA South Central District Conference, held in Dallas on 30 March.
He highlighted that with an injury rate of 2.00, 2015 stands as the 15th consecutive year in which aggregates operators reduced the injury rate from the previous year. The 2.00 rate translates to two reportable injuries for a workforce of 100 miners over the course of a year. “This vividly demonstrates just how committed the industry is to safety,” Casper said.
The conference, which is attended by about 460 members of the metal/non metal and coal sectors, has been supported by the NSSGA for the last four years, as it provides an excellent opportunity for stakeholders to candidly discuss issues of workplace safety and compliance with MSHA.
In his remarks, Casper also called attention to outstanding NSSGA members whose efforts helped propel the industry’s safety achievements. The 2015 Safety Excellence Gold Award recipients were Southington Sand and Pit, operated by Tilcon Connecticut Inc., an Oldcastle Materials company, and the Abilene Black Lease facility in Texas and Dalton Quarry in Georgia, both owned by Vulcan Materials Company. He also recognized the 2015 Sterling Safety Award recipients Iddings Quarry of Mifflinburg, Pa., Anchor Stone Company in Tulsa, Okla., and Martin Marietta in Raleigh, N.C., as well as Matthew Bunner, the 2015 James M. Christie Safety & Health Professional of the Year award recipient. These operations and people were recognised during the 2016 NSSGA Annual Convention and AGG1 Academy & Expo in Nashville, Tenn.
Adapted from press release by Rebecca Bowden