Get help addressing MSHA violations

The National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association’s (NSSGA) Alternative Case Resolution Initiative (ACRI) Workshop is a seminar program that helps the aggregates industry level the playing field with the U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) when it comes to agency enforcement actions and penalties. As MSHA issues an increasing number of citations, mine operators should plan ways to challenge those citations that are believed to be unwarranted.

The workshop will provide the skills necessary to participate in MSHA’s ACRI process, enabling industry representatives to try to resolve disputes with MSHA over alleged violations. Attendees receive a manual containing form pleadings for use when preparing for both settlement conferences and proceedings with administrative law judges.

According to the NSSGA’s eDigest & Washington Watch, the workshop received rave reviews from past participants. The workshop will help attendees with:

• Understanding basic principles of MSHA law;
• Organizing and presenting legal arguments;
• Using effective techniques for conducting legal research; and
• Learning important procedures to be followed during litigation.

The workshop is scheduled for Aug. 25-27 at the law offices of Patton-Boggs in Denver, Colo., and will be led by Mark Savit, a partner in the law firm and a frequent Aggregates Manager contributor. Space is limited to 30 students. Attendees should be those with executive level responsibility for legal issues or liability and who are involved in safety and health management or participate in MSHA conferences. To get more information or to register for the workshop, go to www.nssga.org/calendar/Safety_2009/acr.html.