MSHA makes changes to Workplace Examinations Rule
Published by Rebecca Bowden,
Assistant Editor
World Cement,
MSHA has announced significant changes to its Workplace Examinations Rule, including a proposed extension of the effective date from 2 October 2017, to 2 March 2018. It has also proposed that exams be allowed to occur ‘before work begins, or as miners begins work in that place.’ MSHA has said that the effective date extension is needed to product materials to assist with compliance and reach out to stakeholders.
“NSSGA and aggregates operations have consistently raised concerns with the previous Workplace Examination Rule, and it appears that MSHA is willing to listen to the industry,” said Laura O’Neill-Kaumo, NSSGA senior vice president of government and regulatory affairs.
The previous Workplace Examinations Rule proposal mandated that workplace exams be conducted before the start of work, and small operators have estimated it could cost US$25 million annually to comply. Additionally, the agency reduced the number of items required for inclusion in the rule’s documentation section. While the earlier rule called for documentation of all hazards and their abatements, the revised rule calls for documentation only of hazards not abated promptly – with “promptly” being defined as “before miners are potentially exposed to adverse conditions.”
Read the article online at: https://www.worldcement.com/the-americas/12092017/msha-makes-changes-to-workplace-examinations-rule/
You might also like
The World Cement Podcast
In this special joint episode of the World Cement Podcast, and Cementing Europe’s future, the podcast of CEMBUREAU, David Bizley and Koen Coppenholle take a deep dive into the Clean Industrial Deal and a discussion of what it means for the European cement industry.
Listen for free today at www.worldcement.com/podcasts or subscribe and review on your favourite podcast app.
CEMBUREAU elects new President and Vice-President
Jon Morrish, Area Board Member for the Region Europe, Heidelberg Materials, is elected President, and José Antonio Cabrera, President of CEMEX, Europe, Middle East and Africa, as Vice-President.