Pit & Quarry, January 2018

SAFETY UPDATE MSHA ANNOUNCES WINTER ALERT CAMPAIGN T he U S Department of Labors Mine Safety and Health Administration MSHA announced its annual Winter Alert campaign reminding miners and mine operators of the hazards that colder weather creates at both surface and underground operations The Winter Alert campaign which runs each year through March emphasizes increased vigilance and adherence to safety principles during the winter months when cold temperatures intensify hazards for miners Throughout the campaign MSHA personnel regularly visit mines around the country to heighten awareness of the changing conditions that occur during winter and they distribute materials that focus on best practices for safely performing miners jobs The cold winter months bring an increased risk of underground coal mine explosions as well as an increase in hazards associated with ice and snow that collect at surface facilities and preparation plants says David Zatezalo assistant secretary of labor at MSHA During the Winter Alert campaign MSHA personnel will work to ensure miners and mine operators have information to maintain safe and healthful working conditions When the barometric pressure drops during colder weather methane can migrate more easily into the mine atmosphere increasing the risk of an explosion Dry winter air also results in drier conditions underground allowing coal dust to become suspended in the mine atmosphere increasing the danger of an explosion At surface operations and preparation plants hazards such as limited visibility slippery walkways and freezing and thawing highwalls may lead to accidents MSHA suggests that aggregate operations Check highwalls and benches for stability Examine vehicles for exhaust leaks and consider limiting engine idle time to reduce risk of carbon monoxide asphyxiation Remove snow and ice on roadways and apply sand to maintain traction CEMEX QUARRY RECEIVES EXCELLENCE IN SAFETY AWARD C emex USAs Lytle Creek Quarry near Rialto California received the California Construction Industrial Materials Associations Cal CIMA 2017 Excellence in Safety Award in the large aggregate operation category Cemex received the award at CalCIMAs educational conference in Squaw Valley California CalCIMA honored Cemexs Gary Clay fleet maintenance manager for the West region with its Spirit of the Industry award for demonstrating core values of integrity leadership and commitment The organization also recognized Brian Mastin Cemex USAs director of environmental services for the West Region with its 2017 Presidents Award We are honored to be recognized Cemexs Lytle Creek Quarry received CalCIMAs 2017 Excellence in Safety Award by CalCIMA for the hard work by our employees at Lytle Creek Quarry says Eric Wittmann Cemex USA regional president of the West region Safety is our priority at Cemex and this quarry is a shining example of how its done The Lytle Creek Quarry also received a certificate from the National Stone Sand Gravel Association in September 2017 as well as recognition in the Cemex Global Health Safety Awards in April H A R D N U M B E R S 105 THE NUMBER OF DOLLARS in millions that the Mine Safety Health Administration awarded in grant funding to reduce mining accidents injuries and illnesses by supporting safety and health courses as well as other programs The grants were presented to 47 states the Navajo Nation Guam and the Native Village of Barrow 58 PIT QUARRY January 2018 pitandquarry com PHOTO COURTESY OF CEMEX USA