On February 14, 2017, Nick Scala of Conn Maciel Carey’s national MSHA Practice, presented a webinar regarding Understanding The Mine Act and MSHA Policy.
The Mine Act of 1977 governs all mine operators and grants MSHA authority over the industry. It, along with the MINER Act of 2006, also specifically outline the rights of miners and operators. Yet, while the Mine Act directs the industry regulators, many operators are not familiar with the specific elements contained in it, beyond the requirement that MSHA inspect them two or four times per year.
The Mine Act, and MSHA’s associated policy and handbooks, outline the power and procedures through which MSHA operates. A better understanding of these powers and authority provides operators the ability and opportunity to more efficiently work with MSHA and when needed assert their rights during inspections or investigations.
During this webinar, participants learned about:
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The specific powers of MSHA and rights of operators under the Mine Act and MINER Act;
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Inspection and investigation procedures outlined in MSHA policy and handbooks; and
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How to implement this knowledge when dealing with MSHA enforcement.
Here is a link to a recording of the webinar with slides and audio. This was the second webinar event in the 2017 Conn Maciel Carey MSHA Webinar Series. Plan to join us for the remaining webinar in the 2017 series, send an email to info@connmaciel.com to be registered for the remaining MSHA webinars.