Podcast appearances and mentions of mine safety

Today, Chuck talks with former Assistant Secretary of Labor for Mine Safety and Health, Joe Main, on how the recent federal spending cuts targeting NIOSH have put miners safety and lives at risk. You can follow Joe on LinkedIn, where he posts regular updates on what is happening with NIOSH and other critical mine safety regulatory challenges. https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-main-965a15159/TimestampsContext setting/Gingrich cuts on mine safety — 6:30NIOSH History — 9:30How NIOSH got breathing apparatuses in mines — 12:00Silicon/ventilation issues and safety — 21:10UBB — 22:15What will be lost with NIOSH cuts— 24:50Joe's experience dealing with the consequences of MSHA cuts — 33:00Fears over long term consequences of cuts — 42:30Some additional context on NIOSH Gazette Mail ArticleCBS NIOSH Layoffs articleTransition Music: “Leave it to Me” by Corduroy Brown https://corduroy-brown.com/-----------------------------------------------HELP SUPPORT APPODLACHIA! patreon.com/appodlachia-----------------------------------------------The views and opinions expressed on this show are the personal opinions of the hosts, Chuck Corra and Big John Isner, and do not represent the opinions of either of their employers. This show is an opinion and commentary show, NOT a news show. This podcast is for entertainment purposes only. Send us a textSupport the show

On this West Virginia Morning, we take a closer look at the camping ban Morgantown passed Tuesday, plus why a mine safety agency has mine worker advocates feeling hindered. The post Revisiting Morgantown’s Camping Ban, Mine Safety Advocates Face Obstacles, This West Virginia Morning appeared first on West Virginia Public Broadcasting.

On this West Virginia Morning, we look at the impacts of efforts to pare down Medicaid eligibility and mine safety oversight on residents of West Virginia. The post Both Medicaid And Mine Safety Face Cuts, This West Virginia Morning appeared first on West Virginia Public Broadcasting.

with Brad Friedman & Desi Doyen

On this West Virginia Morning, we discuss the role education has played in this year's legislative session, from proposed teacher pay bumps to bills addressing student discipline. The post Legislation Could Affect Teachers, Plus Mine Safety Measures At Risk, This West Virginia Morning appeared first on West Virginia Public Broadcasting.

For miners people who dig things out of the earth finding the healthcare and other providers they may need can present challenges. Now the Mine Safety and Health Administration part of the Labor Department has organized an online platform for miners. Joining me with the details statistician William Drexler and management and program analyst Joe Mackowiak. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

For miners people who dig things out of the earth finding the healthcare and other providers they may need can present challenges. Now the Mine Safety and Health Administration part of the Labor Department has organized an online platform for miners. Joining me with the details statistician William Drexler and management and program analyst Joe Mackowiak. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Alvin and German conduct a compelling conversation with retired U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission Chief Administrative Law Judge, Covette Rooney '74. A member of Colgate's first coed first-year class, Judge Rooney joined the Review Commission as a Federal Administrative Law Judge in 1996 and, in 2011, became its first African American and first woman to be named Chief Administrative Law Judge.   As Chief Judge, she presided over complex and significant disputes related to Occupational Safety and Health Administration citations. She was also responsible for case management and oversight, as well as hiring and training staff, including legal assistants, law clerks, and judges, across the Denver, Atlanta, and National offices.   Earlier in her career, Judge Rooney served as a U.S. Administrative Law Judge at the Social Security Administration in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, where she received the Hattiesburg School District Outstanding African American Award. Before taking the bench, she had a distinguished 14-year tenure with the Philadelphia Regional Office of the Solicitor, U.S. Department of Labor. There, she served as Regional Counsel for the Mine Safety and Health Administration Black Lung Program and as a Senior Trial Attorney.   After graduating from Colgate University with a BA in Political Science, she earned her Juris Doctorate degree from Temple University School of Law. During her time at Colgate, she was a drum major for the football team, a dancer, and an theater enthusiast.

Earlier this year, the Supreme Court issued a bombshell of a decision in Loper Bright Enterprises et al. v. Raimondo, overturning the longstanding Chevron standard for interpreting ambiguous statutory terms. But while the Court relegated Chevron to the dustbin of history, it did not offer a roadmap for how statutory interpretation will look going forward.  While all of this may seem academic, it has significant practical implications for mine safety. In this episode, Chris and Arthur discuss the Loper Bright decision and offer their thoughts on what this may mean in the area of mine safety going forward.

On today's episode, Chuck talks with Christopher J. Williamson, Assistant Secretary for Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA). Secretary Williamson leads the federal agency in charge of keeping all miners safe and healthy, and was a key figure behind rule changes that help protect miners from silica dust exposure.  We're thrilled he joined the show!Plus, Chuck and Big John breakdown the presidential debate. Learn more about the Chris Mack story at the DOL https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/interactive/2024/michael-lewis-chris-marks-the-canary-who-is-government/Timestamps02:10 — Intro and discussion about presidential debate24:42 — Interview with Secretary Chris J. Williamson28:15 — Secretary Williamson's Appalachian roots and background39:00 — Black lung and the silica dust exposure rule changes48:55 — Reaction to the rule from miners, industry, etc. 01:01:05 — Other priorities at MSHA01:14:30 — Profile about Chris Mack01:17:10 — Big John's got beef with….you?Transition Music: “Leave it to Me” by Corduroy Brown https://corduroy-brown.com/-----------------------------------------------HELP SUPPORT APPODLACHIA!Join our Patreon, for as little as $5/month, and access live events, weekly exclusives, bonus series, and more patreon.com/appodlachia-----------------------------------------------Check out our fantastic sponsors!Red Rooster Coffee! Use our promo code “DOLLY” for free shipping!https://www.redroostercoffee.com/CBD and THC gummies & more: (use code “BANJO” for 25% off) http://www.cornbreadhemp.com/DISCLAIMER: None of the views expressed in this show represent the views of either Chuck or John's employers, and they never willSupport the show

Addressing Employee Complaints: Retaliation and Whistleblower Complaints with the EEOC, OSHA, and MSHAPresented by Kara M. Maciel, Lindsay A. DiSalvo, Nicholas W. Scala, and Mark IshuOver the past several years, employers have seen a significant uptick in retaliation claims filed by employees and investigated by federal agencies. For example, in 2010, only approx. 30% of all charges filed with the EEOC included a retaliation claim, but that number shot up to over 50% in FY 2022. Similarly, the number of total whistleblower complaints filed with OSHA increased significantly in FY 2023, with the vast majority of those complaints – about 71% - filed under Sec. 11(c) of the OSH Act (retaliation based on protected safety acts). The whistleblower complaints filed under Section 105 of the Mine Safety and Health Act have also been on the rise and MSHA is particularly aggressive in its approach to the investigation of these claims, often seeking temporary reinstatement of the complainant for the duration of the investigation, and litigation, if the complainant was terminatedWhen a retaliation or whistleblower complaint is received, employers have a chance to explain why the complaint should be dismissed. However, each Agency handles the investigation and analysis of the evidence differently – using varying processes and burdens of proof to determine whether and how the retaliation complaint should proceed. The strategy and response provided by the employer will depend on the type of complaint and the agency investigating it, but it is generally an opportunity for the employer to provide the information necessary for the agency to conclude its investigation and ultimately close the case file. The responses can, however, create a written record of admissions that the agency could use against the employer. Thus, employers should be strategic in their approach to a whistleblower investigation and the information shared at that early stage.Participants in this webinar will learn:Applicable federal whistleblower and anti-retaliation lawsThe varying processes used by the EEOC, OSHA, and MSHA to evaluate whistleblower and retaliation claimsStrategies employers can use to effectively respond to retaliation complaintsProactive measures employers can take to avoid employee complaints

In this episode, we chat to Dr Pat Foster, Head of Camborne School of Mines & Professor in Mine Safety at University of Exeter where he lectures and undertakes research into the health, safety, and working environment aspects of mining and quarrying. Pat is going to talk to us about the Camborne School of Mines and discuss the eagerly awaited restart of the undergraduate mining engineering degree and also the recent introduction of the degree apprenticeship in mining engineering and how people within the industry can apply plus much more. Please share this episode to help improve mining as a brand and get more people interested in our industry. KEY TAKEAWAYS The Camborne School of Mines is set to reintroduce its undergraduate mining engineering degree next year, following a pause in 2020 due to low student intake. This decision is driven by increased demand for graduates in the mining sector, particularly in light of the UK's critical metals strategy. A new degree apprenticeship in mining engineering has been launched, allowing students to work while studying part-time. This model enables apprentices to gain practical experience and earn a salary without incurring student debt, making it an attractive option for those entering the industry. The new mining engineering degree will feature a common first year with a focus on generic engineering skills, followed by specialised modules in subsequent years. This structure aims to attract a broader pool of students and enhance employability by integrating essential skills relevant to the evolving mining industry. The development of the degree apprenticeship involved collaboration with industry stakeholders, including the Mining Association of the UK. This partnership ensures that the curriculum meets the needs of employers and prepares students for the challenges of modern mining practices. BEST MOMENTS "The demand for critical metals has really spurred this introduction... Our industry probably has never been as vital as it is now. It's crucial to the energy transition, the green economy." "Mining engineering takes the best bits of other engineering disciplines... It's not just about mining. Many of my peers have gone on to great things as well." "We need to work with industry, professional institutions. We all have a role in doing this... We need to promote ourselves." "If we want to improve the image, the branding, get more people into our industry... this episode needs to be shared." VALUABLE RESOURCES Mail:        rob@mining-international.org LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-tyson-3a26a68/ X:              https://twitter.com/MiningRobTyson YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DigDeepTheMiningPodcast  Web:        http://www.mining-international.org Degree Apprenticeship https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/degreeapprenticeships/programmes/mining/ The Mining Engineering part-time degree (which is the equivalent of the degree apprenticeship for international students) https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/courses/mining/miningb/ Contact email for Degree apprenticeships or the equivalent international part-time programme is: miningDAPT@exeter.ac.uk Full-time course: https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/courses/mining/ ABOUT THE HOST Rob Tyson is the Founder and Director of Mining International Ltd, a leading global recruitment and headhunting consultancy based in the UK specialising in all areas of mining across the globe from first-world to third-world countries from Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. We source, headhunt, and discover new and top talent through a targeted approach and search methodology and have a proven track record in sourcing and positioning exceptional candidates into our clients' organisations in any mining discipline or level. Mining International provides a transparent, informative, and trusted consultancy service to our candidates and clients to help them develop their careers and business goals and objectives in this ever-changing marketplace. CONTACT METHOD rob@mining-international.org https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-tyson-3a26a68/ Podcast Description Rob Tyson is an established recruiter in the mining and quarrying sector and decided to produce the “Dig Deep” The Mining Podcast to provide valuable and informative content around the mining industry. He has a passion and desire to promote the industry and the podcast aims to offer the mining community an insight into people's experiences and careers covering any mining discipline, giving the listeners helpful advice and guidance on industry topics. 

We talk to Marisa about the fight over libraries in Alabama. Otis from the Ironworkers talks about their apprenticeship program. The UMWA is slamming republicans for trying to kill a life saving rule at the Mine Safety and Health Administration. In OVERTIME, we talk to Hamilton Nolan talks to us about the UFCW, UNITE HERE, and his book: The Hammer. The NEA staff is striking AND we take your calls: 844-899-TVLR ✦ ABOUT ✦The Valley Labor Report is the only union talk radio show in Alabama, elevating struggles for justice and fairness on the job, educating folks about how they can do the same, and bringing relevant news to workers in Alabama and beyond.Our single largest source of revenue *is our listeners* so your support really matters and helps us stay on the air!Make a one time donation or become a monthly donor on our website or patreon:TVLR.FMPatreon.com/thevalleylaborreportVisit our official website for more info on the show, membership, our sponsors, merch, and more: https://www.tvlr.fmFollow TVLR on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheValleyLab...Follow TVLR on Twitter: @LaborReportersFollow Jacob on Twitter: @JacobM_ALFollow TVLR Co-Creator David Story on Twitter: @RadiclUnionist✦ CONTACT US ✦Our phone number is 844-899-TVLR (8857), call or text us live on air, or leave us a voicemail and we might play it during the show!✦ OUR ADVERTISERS KEEP US ON THE AIR! ✦Support them if you can.The attorneys at MAPLES, TUCKER, AND JACOB fight for working people. Let them represent you in your workplace injury claim. Mtandj.com; (855) 617-9333The MACHINISTS UNION represents workers in several industries including healthcare, the defense industry, woodworking, and more. iamaw44.org (256) 286-3704 / organize@iamaw44.orgDo you need good union laborers on your construction site, or do you want a union construction job? Reach out to the IRONWORKERS LOCAL 477. Ironworkers477.org  256-383-3334 (Jeb Miles) / local477@bellsouth.netThe NORTH ALABAMA DSA is looking for folks to work for a better North Alabama, fighting for liberty and justice for all. Contact / Join: DSANorthAlabama@gmail.comIBEW LOCAL 136 is a group of over 900 electricians and electrical workers providing our area with the finest workforce in the construction industry. You belong here. ibew136.org Contact: (205) 833-0909IFPTE - We are engineers, scientists, nonprofit employees, technicians, lawyers, and many other professions who have joined together to have a greater voice in our careers. With over 80,000 members spread across the U.S. and Canada, we invite you and your colleagues to consider the benefits of engaging in collective bargaining. IFPTE.org Contact: (202) 239-4880THE HUNTSVILLE INDUSTRIAL WORKERS OF THE WORLD is a union open to any and all working people. Call or email them today to begin organizing your workplace - wherever it is. On the Web: https://hsviww.org/ Contact: (256) 651-6707 / organize@hsviww.orgENERGY ALABAMA is accelerating Alabama's transition to sustainable energy. We are a nonprofit membership-based organization that has advocated for clean energy in Alabama since 2014. Our work is based on three pillars: education, advocacy, and technical assistance. Energy Alabama on the Web: https://alcse.org/ Contact: (256) 812-1431 / dtait@energyalabama.orgThe Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union represents in a wide range of industries, including but not limited to retail, grocery stores, poultry processing, dairy processing, cereal processing, soda bottlers, bakeries, health care, hotels, manufacturing, public sector workers like crossing guards, sanitation, and highway workers, warehouses, building services,  and distribution. Learn more at RWDSU.infoThe American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) is the largest federal employee union proudly representing 700,000 federal and D.C. government workers nationwide and overseas. Learn more at AFGE.orgAre you looking for a better future, a career that can have you set for life, and to be a part of something that's bigger than yourself?   Consider a skilled trades apprenticeship with the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades. Learn more at IUPAT.orgUnionly is a union-focused company created specifically to support organized labor. We believe that providing online payments should be simple, safe, and secure.  Visit https://unionly.io/ to learn more.Hometown Action envisions inclusive, revitalized, and sustainable communities built through multiracial working class organizing and leadership development at the local and state level to create opportunities for all people to thrive. Learn more at hometownaction.orgMembers of IBEW have some of the best wages and benefits in North Alabama. Find out more and join their team at ibew558.org ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Few occupations match the many dangers of coal mining. Even to this day, miners experience the dangers of mine collapses. Federal Drive Host Tom Temin's guest is a former coal miner and has devoted a federal career to improving mine safety. His platforms: The Bureau of Mines and, more recently, the Mine Safety and Health Administration, which is part of the Labor Department. Christopher Mark is now a finalist in this year's Service to America Medals program. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Few occupations match the many dangers of coal mining. Even to this day, miners experience the dangers of mine collapses. Federal Drive Host Tom Temin's guest is a former coal miner and has devoted a federal career to improving mine safety. His platforms: The Bureau of Mines and, more recently, the Mine Safety and Health Administration, which is part of the Labor Department. Christopher Mark is now a finalist in this year's Service to America Medals program. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The mining industry facing tough questions about workplace safely after a worker dies in a mine collapse in Victoria.

In this episode of The CX Tipping Point Podcast, Martha Dorris spoke with Noreen Hecmanczuk, a Senior Advisor for Strategic Engagements and Communications to the Federal CIO, Clare Martorana.  In this episode, Noreen shared her experiences that crossed numerous federal agencies and led to an opportunity as a White House Fellow, later joining the US Digital Service where she recognized the transformative potential of technology in government services.  As a senior advisor to the Federal CIO, Noreen convenes technology leaders to advance the strategic use of technology and improve the public's experience with the government. In the Office of the Federal Chief Information Officer, she develops strategies for technology modernization and mission delivery, driving a path to digital transformation and overseeing the responsible management of over $120 billion of federal IT spending.Noreen's achievements benefit the public by championing simple, seamless and secure experiences when interacting with government services.  Congress requested OMB's plan to maximize the impact of funds allocated for technology modernization, and Noreen led the development of the Federal IT Operating Plan, ensuring wise investments that create the most impact for the American people.  Additionally, she played a key role in allocating $100 million towards a secure, modern, digital-first government experience, engaging CX experts from across the federal government to maximize the impact of project proposals.From ensuring food safety at the U.S. Department of Agriculture to fostering workforce development at the Mine Safety and Health Administration, Noreen has made significant contributions throughout her career.  Noreen shares her insights in working across federal agencies, working with political appointees to achieve a common vision, and the leadership and vision needed to lead agencies towards reducing the Administrative burdens of outdated policies.  Congratulations to Noreen for her 2023 Service to the Citizen Award!

In this episode, Arthur and Chris welcome a special guest, Joseph Riney, Vice President of Operations at the Nevada Mining Association to discuss how the association works to represent its members' interests in public policy and mine safety. The group discusses a wide range of issues, including educating Nevadans about the mining industry, the current state of mine safety policy, and developments that may be on the horizon. The group also considers how mine operators can take part in their own state associations, participate in the rulemaking process, and monitor new policy initiatives as they unfold. This lively discussion emphasizes the impact that these developments have on the day-to-day work toward mine safety throughout the state of Nevada and the country.

Phil Carroll and Kevin Hornsby talk to Adam about the recent news that the company has temporarily withdrawn highwall miner, unit 81, from service for repairs and benching following a mining incident. The US Department of Labor's Mine Safety and Health Administration has approved the recovery plan, and HWM 81 is expected to resume full production by mid-August 2023. In addition, Bens Creek Operations has raised $6.5 million through the issuance of unsecured loan notes to Avani Resources Pte Ltd, the company's largest shareholder. The funds will be used for increasing the earthmoving fleet and general working capital requirements.  Disclaimer & Declaration of Interest The information, investment views, and recommendations in this podcast are provided for general information purposes only. Nothing in this podcast should be construed as a solicitation to buy or sell any financial product relating to any companies under discussion or to engage in or refrain from doing so or engaging in any other transaction. Any opinions or comments are made to the best of the knowledge and belief of the commentator but no responsibility is accepted for actions based on such opinions or comments. The commentators may or may not hold investments in the companies under discussion.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and following up on the success of last year's episode on Promoting Mental Wellbeing in the Workplace, our team is back to bring practical steps to mine operators. This month, Chris and Arthur welcome back our colleague Raeann Burgo to offer her expertise on workplace mental health. We review why promoting health is so important in the mining industry and offer a practical roadmap mine operators can take to support their employees in this important area.

Darryll Bell, President of the American Federation of Government Employees Local 31, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast and discussed the need to improve Collective Bargaining Agreements in order to make them worker-friendly. He also spoke about the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, as there are fewer VA employees and lower AFGE membership compared to pre-pandemic years.   Brian Goepfert, Administrator for Mine Safety and Health Enforcement for the Mine Safety and Health Administration, appeared on the America's Work Force Union Podcast and explained how the organization is pushing for more safety training for miners in order to reduce struck-by incidents and other jobsite accidents.

In this episode, Arthur and Chris welcome a special guest, Paul Krivokuca, Vice President of Health and Safety at National Mining Association to discuss how policy-level developments in Washington, DC related to mine safety. The group discusses a wide range of issues, including the current state of mine safety policy, developments that may be on the horizon and how mine operators can take part in the process as new policy initiatives unfold. This lively discussion emphasizes the impact that these developments in D.C. have on the day-to-day work toward mine safety throughout the country.

As our MSHA team discussed in our new year prediction insight, the Mine Safety and Health Administration appears to have found its footing – and that means mine operators need to be on their toes in 2023. After a presidential administration change, retirements throughout the inspector ranks, and an anemic regulatory agenda, MSHA now appears to be pointed in a new and more robust direction. What do we expect to see in the new year? During this episode, Chris and Arthur discuss their best estimation on the five most likely agency actions and changes that operators can expect in 2023 in key areas including the regulatory agenda, enforcement, and policy.

Industry body the Minerals Council South Africa says the industry's safety performance in August, during which eight fatalities were recorded, making it the worst month of the year, is a red flag that it cannot ignore and demands an immediate, proactive response. In the year to date, the total number of deaths is 36 compared with 36 in the same period in 2021, which is deeply disappointing after the industry's safety interventions delivered an encouraging performance in the first seven months of the year. During the early months of this year, record safety achievements in fall-of-ground (FoG) and trackless mobile machinery-related fatalities were achieved, it says. "We are fully cognisant of the heartbreak and tragedy that is visited on the families, friends and colleagues of every single person who has died. We affirm our ongoing commitment to the achievement of zero harm in the industry and that our members are proactively addressing the deterioration in safety with all the seriousness and urgency that it deserves," the council emphasises. The Minerals Council convened a special board meeting on September 9 to urgently address an unacceptable regression in the mining industry's safety performance in August and to implement a range of interventions to ensure safer working environments. "The board meeting was to agree revitalised safety interventions in the sector, as it heads into the final three months of the year, which are historically the period associated with an increasing number of fatalities." While the board members agreed on the need for increased and impactful, visible, felt leadership safety campaigns and mass meetings in the last months of the year, the board emphasises that it was equally important to address the potential impact of Covid-19, mental health and external environmental factors, which include economic pressures, crime in communities and gender-based violence, on the safety of employees in mining operations. "The board members agreed on various actions for the prevention of fatalities in the last months of the year, including ensuring proper planning, supervisory oversight and adequate team resourcing in people, materials and equipment. The Minerals Council will also establish a multi-disciplinary team to explore alternative ways of cleaning broken ore from working areas, as part of the winches proposal." Further, in terms of trackless mobile machinery, the aim is to ensure controls, such as proximity detection systems and/or collision prevention systems, are effective. "While the industry has seen reductions in FoG and transport-related causes of accidents in recent years, a worrying trend has been observed regarding winch-related fatalities in the mining industry," the Minerals Council highlights. On September 15, the Minerals Council hosted the Scraper Winches Day of Learning to share learnings, leading practices and technologies to address the challenges associated with using underground winches that are used to scrape broken ore out of working areas to haul to the surface for processing. "One of the outcomes of the session was the endorsement of the recommendation made by the Minerals Council special board meeting on the establishment of a multi-disciplinary team to explore alternative ways of collecting the broken ore in conventional mines besides scrapers and winches," it notes. Additionally, the actions agreed on by the board also include a recommitment to eight interventions agreed in December 2021, which include increased visible-felt leadership presence at mining operations, and stopping unauthorised and uncontrolled access to old mining areas that are not routinely mined; and to effectively and rigorously conduct risk assessments and implement controls where work in previously mined areas is routinely undertaken. The December commitments also include quality and scheduled maintenance programmes instead of opportunistic and ad hoc maintenance arising from production pressures, and deplo...

Episode 56 features special guests Phil Hooper, Deputy Commissioner of Standards and Inspections; Beau Thomas, Bureau Chief of the Mine and Quarry Bureau; Jay Stem, N.C. Aggregates Association; Bryan Moore, Vulcan and Jason Godwin, Wake Stone Corp. at the 2022 Mine Safety and Health Conference.

SOME PEOPLE want to censor us. Plus we talk to local parents about their push for school safety, some local homeless advocates, and a union lawyer.✦ ABOUT ✦ The Valley Labor Report is the only union talk radio show in Alabama, elevating workers struggles for justice and fairness on the job, educating folks about how they can do the same, and bringing relevant news to workers in Alabama and beyond. Our single largest source of revenue *is our listeners* so your support really matters and helps us stay on the air! Donate one time or becoming a monthly donor on Patreon or Unionly: patreon.com/TheValleyLaborReport https://unionly.io/o/tvlr Visit our official website for more info on the show, membership, our sponsors, merch, and more: https://www.tvlr.fm Follow TVLR on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheValleyLab... Follow TVLR on Twitter: @LaborReporters Follow Jacob on Twitter: @JacobM_AL Follow TVLR Co-Creator David Story on Twitter: @RadiclUnionist ✦ CONTACT US ✦ Our phone number is 844-899-TVLR (8857), call or text us live on air, or leave us a voicemail and we might play it during the show! ✦ OUR ADVERTISERS KEEP US ON THE AIR! Support them if you can. ✦ The attorneys at MAPLES, TUCKER, AND JACOB fight for working people. Reach out to them and let them represent you in your workplace injury claim. On the Web: www.mtandj.com Contact: (855) 617-9333 Do you want to organize your workplace? The MACHINISTS UNION represents workers in several industries including healthcare, the defense industry, woodworking, and more. On the Web: https://www.iamaw44.org/ Contact: (256) 286-3704 / organize@iamaw44.org. Do you need good union laborers on your construction site, or do you want a union construction job? Reach out to the IRONWORKERS LOCAL 477. On the Web: http://ironworkers477.org/ Contact: 256-383-3334 (Jeb Miles) / local477@bellsouth.net The NORTH ALABAMA DSA is looking for folks to work for a better North Alabama, fighting for liberty and justice for all. They prioritize mutual aid, municipal-activism, and union solidarity. On the Web: https://www.facebook.com/NorthAlabama... Contact / Join: DSANorthAlabama@gmail.com IBEW LOCAL 136 is a group of over 900 electricians and electrical workers providing our area with the finest workforce in the construction industry. We provide our members with excellent training at no cost, livable wages with paid benefits, and a lifelong career working with people who care about you. If you are a working electrician or electrical worker, or if you'd like to pursue a career in the electrical trades, we want you to join us! IBEW Local 136 provides equal opportunity and does not discriminate due to religion, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status or nationality. You belong here. On the Web: https://ibew136.org/ Contact: (205) 833-0909 IFPTE - We are engineers, scientists, nonprofit employees, technicians, lawyers, and many other professions who have joined together to have a greater voice in our careers. Our union is a bottom-up, member-based organization that helps professional and technical employees raise wages, benefits, working conditions, and advocate over public policies that impact our professions and communities. With over 80,000 members spread across the U.S. and Canada, we invite you and your colleagues to consider the benefits of engaging in collective bargaining. On the Web: https://www.ifpte.org/ Contact: (202) 239-4880 THE HUNTSVILLE INDUSTRIAL WORKERS OF THE WORLD is a union open to any and all working people. Call or email them today to begin organizing your workplace - wherever it is. On the Web: https://hsviww.org/ Contact: (256) 651-6707 / organize@hsviww.org ENERGY ALABAMA is accelerating Alabama's transition to sustainable energy. We are a nonprofit membership-based organization that has advocated for clean energy in Alabama since 2014. Our work is based on three pillars: education, advocacy, and technical assistance. Energy Alabama on the Web: https://alcse.org/ Contact: (256) 812-1431 / dtait@energyalabama.org    ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

The Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission, an independent agency, has been torn apart amid partisan battles and allegations of financial wrongdoing. POLITICO's Matthew Choi breaks down some of the controversies and a new allegation that one of the commissioners may have violated ethics rules.   Josh Siegel is an energy reporter for POLITICO.  Matthew Choi is an energy reporter and author of the Morning Energy newsletter. Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio host-producer.  Raghu Manavalan is a senior editor for POLITICO audio. Jenny Ament is the executive producer of POLITICO's audio department.

Join us for this episode with Terry Weston. Mr. Weston has been a Safety and Health professional with the Customized Workforce Education group (CWE). A division of South Central College in North Mankato, MN for the last 20 years. He has presented at numerous events including ISMSP, TRAM, and Joseph A. Holmes National conferences. He is credentialed by the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (CSP) (CIT) and the Society of Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration (CMSP). Terry is a subject matter expert for CWE in the areas of OSHA Safety and Mine Safety training. Terry is also certified to train specialty programs such as PowerLift® and Safety DNA®. Learn more about our Risk Management department here --> https://ibcins.biz/risk-management/ or contact Aaron by emailing aaron.iacino@ibcins.biz. 

In this episode, Arthur and Chris are joined by mine safety consultant and former MSHA official Diane Watson for a wide-ranging discussion on mine safety and compliance – where it has been, where it is now, and where it will be.  The group discusses how mine safety has changed over the years and what has remained a constant.  Join the team as they forecast MSHA activity in the years to come and what operators can do to prepare.  

In this episode, Arthur and Chris welcome a special guest, attorney Raeann Burgo, and discuss another important safety topic – mental health in the mining industry.  The team talks about what mental illness is, how it affects the safety and productivity of the workforce and what mine operators can do to promote mental wellbeing in their workplaces, particularly in the absence of any guidance or resources from MSHA.  The discussion also includes some steps mine operators can take right now to address this significant issue in the workplace.

Episode 1692: Our article of the day is Federal Coal Mine Safety Act of 1952.

Does the world of mine safety provide the background for a compelling fiction novel? In this episode, Arthur and Chris talk with special guest, Tim Means, a long-time mine safety attorney about his new novel “Copper Canyon,” a fast-paced story centered in the world of mine safety. Mr. Means discusses how he began practicing mine safety and what issues he saw in his practice that inspired him to author a novel centered upon the mining industry and highlighting the delicate balance of safe operations and compliance with federal mine safety regulations. 

Leslie is joined by Steve Sallman, Director of the United Steelworkers Health, Safety and Environment Department, where he's worked for more than 17 years.   Today, Steve and Leslie discuss helping OSHA (the Occupational Safety and Health Administration) save lives. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the agency that ensures Americans have safe workplaces, has been helping save lives since its foundation with the 1970 Occupational Safety and Health Act. - One of its first standards set permissible exposure limits for more than 400 toxic substances, with more recent guidance covering concerns ranging from bloodborne pathogens to silica dust. - OSHA performs tens of thousands of inspections every year. - Between 1970 and 2019, workplace fatalities were reduced by 60 percent and injuries and illnesses fell by almost 75 percent. Unfortunately, the previous administration starkly illustrated how much OSHA's ability to perform this vital work can hinge on external factors. - Under President Donald Trump, OSHA's enforcement activities plummeted to new lows even as worker deaths soared to the highest level in more than a decade. - It even rolled back a 2016 rule requiring most employers to electronically submit detailed reports on workplace injuries because powerful corporations didn't like it. Now, we have a new administration and new opportunities. - Health care workers finally got an emergency temporary standard for occupational exposure to Covid-19. - It's also working to keep workers safe through vaccination and testing. - Workers across industries need the protections from other hazards like heat stress—a growing danger because of climate change — and workplace violence President Biden's Build Back Better plan also presents an opportunity to enable OSHA to keep workers safe from a variety of hazards by expanding its budget and increasing penalties for workplace health and safety violations. - The Build Back Better Act passed by the U.S. House last month would provide an additional $707 million to OSHA over the next five years to facilitate enforcement, standards development, whistleblower investigations, compliance assistance, funding for State plans, and related activities - It also provides $133 million to the Mine Safety and Health Administration for similar work - While it's impossible to put a price tag on a safe work environment, it also makes important increases to the maximum penalties OSHA can levy:     -Penalties for serious violations would increase from $13,653 to $70,000     -Penalties willful violations and repeat violations would increase from $136,530 to $700,000  - Both enforcement and real penalties are important for incentivizing employers to address concerns and provide a safe work environment OSHA has proven to be vital to protecting workers. With the help of this administration and hopefully this legislation, it will be able to do even more. Steve has nearly 30 years of safety and health experience, investigating fatalities and life-altering accidents, providing assistance to local unions and working closely with employers' safety and health professionals. The website for the United Steelworkers is USW.org. Their handle on both Twitter and Instagram is @steelworkers.

Leslie is joined by Steve Sallman, Director of the United Steelworkers Health, Safety and Environment Department, where he's worked for more than 17 years. Today, Steve and Leslie discuss helping OSHA (the Occupational Safety and Health Administration) save lives. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the agency that ensures Americans have safe workplaces, has been helping save lives since its foundation with the 1970 Occupational Safety and Health Act. - One of its first standards set permissible exposure limits for more than 400 toxic substances, with more recent guidance covering concerns ranging from bloodborne pathogens to silica dust. - OSHA performs tens of thousands of inspections every year. - Between 1970 and 2019, workplace fatalities were reduced by 60 percent and injuries and illnesses fell by almost 75 percent. Unfortunately, the previous administration starkly illustrated how much OSHA's ability to perform this vital work can hinge on external factors. - Under President Donald Trump, OSHA's enforcement activities plummeted to new lows even as worker deaths soared to the highest level in more than a decade. - It even rolled back a 2016 rule requiring most employers to electronically submit detailed reports on workplace injuries because powerful corporations didn't like it. Now, we have a new administration and new opportunities. - Health care workers finally got an emergency temporary standard for occupational exposure to Covid-19. - It's also working to keep workers safe through vaccination and testing. - Workers across industries need the protections from other hazards like heat stress—a growing danger because of climate change — and workplace violence President Biden's Build Back Better plan also presents an opportunity to enable OSHA to keep workers safe from a variety of hazards by expanding its budget and increasing penalties for workplace health and safety violations. - The Build Back Better Act passed by the U.S. House last month would provide an additional $707 million to OSHA over the next five years to facilitate enforcement, standards development, whistleblower investigations, compliance assistance, funding for State plans, and related activities - It also provides $133 million to the Mine Safety and Health Administration for similar work - While it's impossible to put a price tag on a safe work environment, it also makes important increases to the maximum penalties OSHA can levy: -Penalties for serious violations would increase from $13,653 to $70,000 -Penalties willful violations and repeat violations would increase from $136,530 to $700,000 - Both enforcement and real penalties are important for incentivizing employers to address concerns and provide a safe work environment OSHA has proven to be vital to protecting workers. With the help of this administration and hopefully this legislation, it will be able to do even more. Steve has nearly 30 years of safety and health experience, investigating fatalities and life-altering accidents, providing assistance to local unions and working closely with employers' safety and health professionals. The website for the United Steelworkers is USW.org. Their handle on both Twitter and Instagram is @steelworkers.

Anticipating and planning for obstacles can sometimes be more powerful than adopting a positive mindset.A positive attitude is important when embarking on any new endeavor. However, as you may have heard in previous episodes of Choiceology with Katy Milkman, overoptimism also can blind you to important information.In this episode, we look at a strategy that can help counteract the effects of overoptimism and overconfidence. You could call it the power of negative thinking.We begin with the amazing story of a lake in Louisiana that completely disappeared in a matter of hours. An oil drilling accident in 1980 created a giant sinkhole in Lake Peigneur that rapidly drained massive amounts of water into an active salt mine, swallowing several boats and barges and large chunks of land in the process. The event was catastrophic, but no lives were lost, thanks in part to robust emergency planning.You'll hear first-hand accounts of the dramatic event from Michael Richard, Sr., whose family owns and operates a garden and a nursery on the shores of Lake Peigneur, and from Dr. Kelvin Wu, who describes the scene in the salt mine as the disaster unfolded.Dr. Kelvin Wu is a retired mining engineer and former chief of the Mine Waste & Geotechnical Engineering Division at the Mine Safety and Health Administration.Michael Richard, Sr., owns and runs Rip Van Winkle Gardens and Live Oak Gardens on Lake Peigneur, Louisiana.Emergency planning played an important role in the outcome of this disaster. But planning for the worst needn't be limited to life and death scenarios.Annie Duke joins Katy to argue that negative thinking—imagining failure in order to manage or prevent it— can actually help improve the odds of success when planning anything from a product launch to a birthday party. She argues that people shy away from negative thinking because it can feel unpleasant. But if you push through that unpleasantness, negative thinking can motivate you to take positive preemptive steps.Annie Duke is an author and decision strategist. You can read more about negative thinking in her book How to Decide.Finally, Katy differentiates negative thinking from pessimistic thinking. While pessimistic thinking can drain motivation and prevent you from setting goals, negative thinking can help you identify certain problems before they arise and raise your chances of success.Choiceology is an original podcast from Charles Schwab. For more on the series, visit schwab.com/podcast.If you enjoy the show, please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating or review on Apple Podcasts.Important DisclosuresAll expressions of opinion are subject to change without notice in reaction to shifting market conditions.The comments, views, and opinions expressed in the presentation are those of the speakers and do not necessarily represent the views of Charles Schwab. Data contained herein from third-party providers is obtained from what are considered reliable sources. However, its accuracy, completeness or reliability cannot be guaranteed.The book, How to Change: The Science of Getting from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be, is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. (CS&Co.). Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. (CS&Co.) has not reviewed the book and makes no representations about its content.Apple Podcasts and the Apple logo are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.Google Podcasts and the Google Podcasts logo are trademarks of Google LLC.Spotify and the Spotify logo are registered trademarks of Spotify AB.(1021-1UD8)

In recent months, safety incidents in the mining sector have burst back into the headlines, sparking fresh concerns about the risks facing the industry Read the article by Qin Jianxing, Feng Huamei and Han Wei: https://www.caixinglobal.com/2021-02-12/in-depth-chinas-unfinished-fight-for-mine-safety-101663298.html Narrated by Heather Mowbray.

Hello there, 16 Tons by Johnny Cash June 1, 1987 - If every there was a man that stood up for the little guy it was the Man in Black himself, Johnny Cash. The Battle of Blair Mountain - HISTORY The Battle of Blair Mountain - HISTORY - here is a link to the article featured in this episode. Having been raised in a construction family and eventually pursuing a career in the electrical industry, I am not a stranger to unsafe work environments. 30 years ago when I was first starting out the construction industry, safety was not as high a priority as production. I recall being in so very sketchy situations but I was a very young and naive teenager with a go-get'em work ethic so I just did what everyone else was doing. Especially when deadlines were fast approaching, it seemed like safety was not even a consideration. But as the years passed the construction industry has made great advances in the prioritizing of the workers safety. Many companies have entire safety divisions and regular safety training with their employees. The problem becomes when management says one thing but expects the opposite. And that is still the case today and appears to be one of the issues with the Amazon warehouse in Alabama. While working conditions from the 1920s was much more hazardous to the workers, there are still working conditions today that may not be as dangerous a mining but still takes a toll on the workers physical, emotional, and mental conditions. Repetitive movements, lifting, stacking, sorting, extreme temperatures, exposure to the elements, and the list goes on. If you are experiencing unsafe conditions at your workplace, talk to your supervisor. Complaining to your fellow employees will mostly just frustrate you. So take it up with those that are in charge. If your direct supervisor doesn't seem too concerned, take it to his superior. If that doesn't work, check with your state employment agency. Here in Texas that is the TWC or Texas Workforce Commission. Every state should have one. And if the conditions are so bad and safety is blatantly ignored by your employer, contact OSHA. Your safety is important. Thank you for listening and make it a great day. Cheers. Home | Occupational Safety and Health Administration (osha.gov) Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) | Protecting Miners' Safety and Health Since 1978 Microplastics revealed in the placentas of unborn babies | Plastics | The Guardian Fracking Chemicals in children Let me know what you think about this or any other episode: Check out my Instagram https://www.instagram.com/mzhammer523/ Send an email to brighterfuture523@gmail.com Check out www.safesmokesummit2020.com for cannabis news and recommended products. If you are feeling overwhelmed or sad or just need someone to talk to please reach out to one of the following: BetterHelp | Professional Counseling With A Licensed Therapist - The Trevor Project — Saving Young LGBTQ Lives 24/7 365 help for LGBTQ youths Suicide Prevention Lifeline - 1-800-273-8255 You matter. You are important. Stay safe. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/mzhammer/message

A Jan. 10 explosion at a gold mine in Qixia in eastern China's Shandong province set off a desperate search and rescue mission for trapped miners.Read the article by Qin Jianxing, Feng Huamei and Han Wei: https://www.caixinglobal.com/2021-02-12/in-depth-chinas-unfinished-fight-for-mine-safety-101663298.htmlNarrated by Heather Mowbry.

On June 12, Cecil Roberts, President of the United Mine Workers of America, was the final speaker at the 2020 West Virginia Association of Black Lung Clinics annual conference. Roberts began his remarks with a video clip of former miners testifying before the House Education and Labor Committee in June 2019 about contracting black lung at an early age and the urgent need for Congress to pass silica dust standards. His comments addressed concerns about COVID-19 and the well being of working miners and those with black lung, hailed the miners' ten year fight that won pension and health care benefits for retired miners last December, and encouraged everyone to continue to put the pressure on Congress to pass silica dust standards to lower the kinds of cases of serious lung disease now seen with many miners. The participants at this online event included health care providers and staff at black lung clinics, public health officials, researchers , lawyers and others calling in from the coalfields and beyond. On Tuesday, June 16, the UMWA filed a petition in federal appeals court asking the court to force the Mine Safety and Health Administration, or MSHA, to issue an emergency standard to protect vulnerable coal miners from the infectious COVID 19 disease.

Surface miners, like the ones safety instructor Nick Ullrich teaches, get to play with some pretty big toys, like loading trucks with tires three times taller than the average person. But tires that big come with some pretty big blind spots, and Nick is using VR to get them used to those blind spots before putting them behind those gigantic wheels. Alan: Welcome to the XR for Business Podcast, with your host, Alan Smithson. We all know safety comes first, and today, we're speaking with Nick Ullrich, a safety instructor from Gillette College, who's focused on using VR to train mining employees to become safer and better operators. Coming up next on the XR for Business podcast. Nick, welcome to the show. Nick: Yes, Alan, thank you very much for having me. I appreciate it. Alan: Oh, it's my absolute pleasure. I read an article about how you're using VR to train mining employees. How did you get into this? Tell us a little bit about your background. Nick: Ok. Yeah, so the first project that we've done is a blind spot recognition, using virtual reality 360 photography as well. And it's to help miners -- when they're on the mine side -- understand the blind spots of heavy equipment. So we started with that because MSHA -- the Mine Safety and Health Administration -- has an initiative out there about powered haulage. And that's kind of where the idea came from. We see fatalities every year in the mining world. So I wanted to give everybody an understanding of what the blind spots for the heavy equipment that they're working around are on, and give them an idea of that. And virtual reality gave us an opportunity to do that without actually having to have all the equipment here at the college. So it works out great to give them a vision of what they would see if they were in that equipment. Alan: That's pretty cool. So you're talking about those big, huge dump trucks with the giant wheels and loaders and all these type of things? Nick: Yeah, absolutely. We have-- in the program that we have now, we have 10 pieces of equipment, it includes the 400 ton haul trucks, which is the largest haul trucks in the world. Those tires are approximately 15 feet high. Alan: Whoa. Nick: Yeah, next to them, you will go about to the middle of the tire. Alan: That's incredible. So you've got these trucks. Now, did you create them as 3D models and then climb inside of it? Or is this taken from like a 360 video type of thing? Nick: So we do a couple different things with it. We do have 3D models of all the pieces of equipment. So like I said, we have about ten pieces of equipment right now, and we just have 3D models of those, where people can walk around them virtually and see how big they are, put them to actual size or as close as I could get to actual size, by my recollection of them. They can get into them -- for the most part -- and just kind of see it in a virtual spot. And then we did go out to all the different mine sites and take 360 photography of each of those pieces of equipment. And we did it a really cool way. We set up a scene, so we had a whole lot of different things around the piece of equipment. So let's just say a haul trip, we have several different people and smaller vehicles, like light duty vehicles, such as just your normal pickup or van. We had those all set up in a special way, where you couldn't see them from the cab, so they were *in* the blind spots of that equipment. We took that 360 photo from the cab of that piece of equipment, so we can show everybody what the cab looks like and what they could see outside of it, knowing that they couldn't see any of the things in the blind s

Surface miners, like the ones safety instructor Nick Ullrich teaches, get to play with some pretty big toys, like loading trucks with tires three times taller than the average person. But tires that big come with some pretty big blind spots, and Nick is using VR to get them used to those blind spots before putting them behind those gigantic wheels. Alan: Welcome to the XR for Business Podcast, with your host, Alan Smithson. We all know safety comes first, and today, we're speaking with Nick Ullrich, a safety instructor from Gillette College, who's focused on using VR to train mining employees to become safer and better operators. Coming up next on the XR for Business podcast. Nick, welcome to the show. Nick: Yes, Alan, thank you very much for having me. I appreciate it. Alan: Oh, it's my absolute pleasure. I read an article about how you're using VR to train mining employees. How did you get into this? Tell us a little bit about your background. Nick: Ok. Yeah, so the first project that we've done is a blind spot recognition, using virtual reality 360 photography as well. And it's to help miners -- when they're on the mine side -- understand the blind spots of heavy equipment. So we started with that because MSHA -- the Mine Safety and Health Administration -- has an initiative out there about powered haulage. And that's kind of where the idea came from. We see fatalities every year in the mining world. So I wanted to give everybody an understanding of what the blind spots for the heavy equipment that they're working around are on, and give them an idea of that. And virtual reality gave us an opportunity to do that without actually having to have all the equipment here at the college. So it works out great to give them a vision of what they would see if they were in that equipment. Alan: That's pretty cool. So you're talking about those big, huge dump trucks with the giant wheels and loaders and all these type of things? Nick: Yeah, absolutely. We have-- in the program that we have now, we have 10 pieces of equipment, it includes the 400 ton haul trucks, which is the largest haul trucks in the world. Those tires are approximately 15 feet high. Alan: Whoa. Nick: Yeah, next to them, you will go about to the middle of the tire. Alan: That's incredible. So you've got these trucks. Now, did you create them as 3D models and then climb inside of it? Or is this taken from like a 360 video type of thing? Nick: So we do a couple different things with it. We do have 3D models of all the pieces of equipment. So like I said, we have about ten pieces of equipment right now, and we just have 3D models of those, where people can walk around them virtually and see how big they are, put them to actual size or as close as I could get to actual size, by my recollection of them. They can get into them -- for the most part -- and just kind of see it in a virtual spot. And then we did go out to all the different mine sites and take 360 photography of each of those pieces of equipment. And we did it a really cool way. We set up a scene, so we had a whole lot of different things around the piece of equipment. So let's just say a haul trip, we have several different people and smaller vehicles, like light duty vehicles, such as just your normal pickup or van. We had those all set up in a special way, where you couldn't see them from the cab, so they were *in* the blind spots of that equipment. We took that 360 photo from the cab of that piece of equipment, so we can show everybody what the cab looks like and what they could see outside of it, knowing that they couldn't see any of the things in the blind s

We are joined by special guests Labor Commissioner Cherie Berry; Jay Stem, executive director of the N.C. Aggregates Assoc.; William Gerringer, bureau chief, Mine and Quarry Bureau; Sam Pierce, district manager, southeast, MSHA; Bryan Moore, Vulcan Materials at the 42nd Annual N.C. Mine Safety and Health Conference in Cherokee.

In this episode we bring you two recent stories from the Ohio Valley Resource, and, we dust off a piece from our archives. First, we learn about a recent lecture at West Virginia University by David Zatezalo - Assistant Secretary of Labor for Mine Safety and Health Administration. Zatezalo lays out the Trump Administration’s priorities for MSHA. Then, we learn about the challenges facing one West Virginia woman in recovery. Wendy Crites was stopped for driving under the influence of suboxone - even though it’s a prescribed medication aiding in her recovery. And last, from the archives, we’ll hear a 2014 interview that Sylvia Ryerson did with Tom Brown - an apple grower from Clemmons, NC who has saved hundreds of varieties of Heirloom apples.

Mining accidents kill or injure thousands every year. One reason is poor illumination deep in mines. John Sammarco has made it his life's work to devise better mine lighting systems and convince mine operators to install them. He is principal research engineer at the Pittsburgh Mining Research Division of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, and a finalist in this year's Service to America Medals. He joined Federal Drive with Tom Temin to discuss his work.

Cyrille Sauvain of Hexagon Mining discusses their comprehensive solutions for traffic safety and surface mines, from collision avoidance to fatigue monitoring.

Aired Sunday, 17 May 2015, 2:00 PM ETAllayah welcomes Terri Sings With Ravens Rivera, a healer and singer from a long line of curanderas – female healers. They will be joined by Thomas Johnson Thunder Rock, a rock and fossil expert. On today’s show, they will discuss a recent event held at a mysterious Serpent Mound [http://goo.gl/bLjxjZ] [http://www.serpentmound.org/SeedFestival2015.html]. Why was this event – the Spring Seed and Water Peace Summit – held at the Serpent Mound? How were they able to convene such an event (free to the public) through love offerings only? How did Soaring Eagle Retreat play a role?As well as discussing this recent event, Allayah – with Terri and Tom – will explore the purpose of The Alternate Universe Center of the Learning Center/Rock Shop in Ohio [http://goo.gl/pyTsNg]. Terri Sings With Ravens will also explain her vision of bringing indigenous elders, chiefs, and teachers to Serpent Mound, and the hopes of building a spiritual community which will honor the land. Finally, they will outline what future events will lend to this ongoing quest.About Guest Terri Sings With Ravens RiveraTerri Sings With Ravens Rivera’s ancestral heritage is O’otham (Pima), Aztec, Chilean, and Irish. She comes from a long line of curanderas — female healers — on her father’s side. Her maternal great-grandfather was an Irish/Chilean healer who came to the United States from Chile. He called himself a dentist, but did much healing and curing. At the age of five, Terri Sings With Ravens had a vision of the Lady of Guadalupe. It was this experience that inspired the song ‘My Lady Sings (Grandmother Aurelia’s song)’ from the album Blue Moon. As a singer/songwriter, Terri Sings With Ravens was nominated for a Native American Music Award and came in runner-up in the John Lennon song writing contest.Terri Sings With Ravens collaborates with other healers to hold spiritual retreats at the Serpent Mound, a site in Southern Ohio. She and her husband Tom (Johnson) own Alternate Universe Learning Center/Rock Shop. (House of Phacops) just three miles from the Serpent Mound State Park and on the southeastern edge of a five-mile wide impact crater. The shop is also sitting on top of a 17.5 km long fault line that is miles deep and is emitting a constant flow of positive energy. Terri has presented at workshops throughout the U.S. and Mexico and has worked with healers from around the world to hold spiritual retreats in various global locations.The music of Terri Sings With Ravens Rivera can be found at:https://soundcloud.com/terri-singswithravens-riverahttp://www.cdbaby.com/cd/trpiatthttp://alternateuniverserockshop.com/sings-with-ravens.htmlTerri’s husband, Thomas Johnson Thunder Rock (Tom), is a rock man from Michigan and has been collecting rocks since he was four years old. Through the 1960s and 70s, he collected a lot around Sylvania, Ohio, in a 350 million year old seabed ninety feet under ground – until the MSHA and OSHA branches of government stopped his activity in 1979 [Mine Safety and Health Administration, Occupational Safety and Health Administration]. Tom then moved to southern Ohio and began collecting from an even older seabed of 438 million years. After many trips around the world to collect and study fossils dating back to 2.7 billion years, in 1984 Thomas Johnson Thunder Rock was recognized for his achievements by the Smithsonian Institution and the National Geographic Society. He has written three books and for many years has lectured on the subject of trilobites and meteor craters. Later this summer, Tom’s recent work on the Serpent Mound and adjoining meteor crater will air on the Ancient Aliens segment of television’s History channel. He has previously appeared on Ancient Aliens and the Old West along with Chief Golden Light Eagle/Standing Elk.

In 2010, the community of Montcoal, West Virginia, was rocked by one of the country's worst coal mine disasters. An explosion at the Upper Big Branch coal mine left 29 dead and prompted a massive local, state and federal investigation that resulted in a number of major new Mine Safety and Health Administration regulations. It prompted an important and interesting turn of events and USLAW member Michael Addair of Huddleston Bolen in Charleston, West Virginia provides an overview of these new regulations.  CLICK TO LISTEN

Sandia National Labs demonstrates its improved mine rescue robot. Larry Greenemeier reports

Ian Telfer assesses the possible causes of the Pike River coal mine disaster and the implications it has for the industry.

After the deaths of three rescuers, it's unlikely that six trapped coal miners will be found alive. The controversies over Utah's Crandall Canyon coal mine, the Bush Administration's approach to mine safety and the future of coal—which now provides half of America's electrical energy.  Also, Dean, the first major storm of the season, and a symbol for both sides of the immigration debate is deported.