By Brent I. Clark, James L. Curtis, Patrick D. JoyceA. Scott HeckerDaniel R. BirnbaumMelissa A. Ortega and Taylor Iaculla

Seyfarth Synopsis: This week we are attending the ABA Occupational Safety and Health Law Meeting in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The meeting includes representatives from the U.S. Department of Labor, OSHA Review

Continue Reading Report From Final Day of The 2024 ABA OSHA/MSHA Law Conference

By Brent I. ClarkJames L. CurtisPatrick D. JoyceA. Scott HeckerDaniel R. BirnbaumMelissa A. Ortega and Taylor Iaculla

Seyfarth Synopsis: This week we are attending the ABA Occupational Safety and Health Law Meeting in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The meeting includes representatives from the U.S. Department of Labor, OSHA Review

Continue Reading Report From Day 2 of The 2024 ABA OSHA/MSHA Law Conference

By Brent I. Clark, James L. Curtis, Patrick D. JoyceA. Scott HeckerDaniel R. BirnbaumMelissa A. Ortega and Taylor Iaculla

Seyfarth Synopsis: This week we are attending the ABA Occupational Safety and Health Law Meeting in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The meeting includes representatives from the U.S. Department of Labor, OSHA Review

Continue Reading Report From Day 1 of The 2024 ABA OSHA/MSHA Law Conference

By  A. Scott HeckerAdam R. Young, and Craig B. Simonsen

Seyfarth Synopsis: The Mine Safety and Health Administration “remains troubled by the fact that our impact inspections continue to discover the same hazards we’ve identified as root causes for fatal accidents and that we know can cause serious occupational illnesses,” says MSHA Assistant Secretary Chris Williamson.

The federal

Continue Reading Mining Accidents Lead to ‘Troubling’ 31% Increase in Worker Deaths

By A. Scott HeckerIlana R. Morady, and Brent I. Clark

Seyfarth Synopsis: On January 21, 2021, President Biden directed MSHA to consider whether COVID-19 emergency temporary standards (“ETS”) are necessary for coal and metal/non-metal mines, and if so, to issue them “as soon as practicable.”  While MSHA has not announced an ETS, it recently published new guidance
Continue Reading Biden MSHA Issues “Protecting Miners Guidance” on Mitigating and Preventing the Spread of COVID-19 in Mines

By James L. Curtis and Craig B. Simonsen

Seyfarth Synopsis: A Democratic lead House subcommittee has proposed a large budget increase for both the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the Mine Safety and Health Administration.

The Democratic budget proposal would allocate more than $660.9 million for OSHA in fiscal year 2020 – around $103 million more than the
Continue Reading Democratic House Proposes Large Increases for OSHA and MSHA Budgets

By Brent I. ClarkIlana R. Morady, and Craig B. Simonsen

Seyfarth Synopsis: MSHA just announced its Final Rule on Examinations of Working Places in Metal and Nonmetal Mines. 83 Fed. Reg. 15055 (April 9, 2018).

The Final Rule, which will be effective on June 2, 2018, requires that:

  • Each working place be examined at least


Continue Reading Operators Beware! MSHA Issues Final Rule on Examinations of Working Places in Metal and Nonmetal Mines

By Brent I. ClarkAdam R. Young, and Craig B. Simonsen

Seyfarth Synopsis: The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has found a seven percent increase in 2016 fatal injuries reported over those reported in 2015. BLS noted that this was the third consecutive increase in annual workplace fatalities.  The statistics show an ongoing struggle for employers with
Continue Reading Transportation and Workplace Violence Stand Out in Census of 2016 Fatal Occupational Injuries

By Brent I. ClarkIlana R. Morady, and Craig B. Simonsen

Seyfarth Synopsis: President Trump’s selection for Administrator at MSHA has been confirmed this week by the Senate.

In a 52-46 vote, David G. Zatezalo, of West Virginia, was confirmed by the U.S. Senate this week, on November 15, 2017, to be Assistant Secretary of Labor
Continue Reading Senate Confirms Trump Selection for MSHA