To help producers deal with increased enforcement from the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA), National Stone, Sand and Gravel Association (NSSGA) will present an Alternative Case Resolution Initiative (ACRI) workshop from Tuesday through Thursday, Feb. 26-28,  at NSSGA headquarters in Alexandria, Va. The Law Office of Adele L. Abrams will be instructing at this workshop. Click here to register.

ACRI is a program in which lower-significance cases are handled by an MSHA “CLR” (non-attorney) for settlement and trial purposes. During the workshop, attorneys well-versed in the area of mine safety law will share basic legal strategies for successfully resolving enforcement disputes with MSHA inspectors on alleged violations so operators can handle cases on their own. Attorneys will provide critical information to boost understanding of the basic principles of MSHA law, instruct on organizing and presenting legal arguments, present legal research technique,s and outline procedures to be followed during litigation. Participants will gain a better understanding of ways to avert penalties from unjustified citations and learn how to more strategically manage compliance in the future, which can save companies time and money. 

NSSGA’s goal is to help “level the playing field” with MSHA  through the provision of basic information on: 1) the Mine Act; 2) strategies for resolving disputes; and 3) information necessary to handle contested matters before administrative law judges.