Date: December 28, 2010
Chaney Enterprises received its third consecutive, fully compliant inspection of the sand and gravel production and mining operations from the Mining Safety and Health Administration this year.
“These last three ‘clean bills of health’ inspections we received are a true tribute to our professional front-line personnel, management and corporate commitment to provide an unrivaled safe work environment where our company’s management philosophy supports the core values of safety and health,” said William F. Childs IV, president and CEO of Chaney Enterprises.
MSHA must inspect all mining and sand and gravel operations in the country at least two times a year, from October 1 through September 30. The inspectors evaluate personnel practices, training, policies and procedures; all aspects of machinery maintenance, safety and housekeeping; mine site equipment and operations, and regulatory compliance, including dust control and grades; and all aspects of the sand and gravel production facilities, personnel and procedures. Businesses who do not meet inspection are leveraged costly fines, which can average $25,000 or more.
Chaney Enterprises has four mine sites and two sand and gravel production facilities in Maryland. Inspections are unannounced, and take up to two days, depending upon the size of the facility. A typical inspection covers nearly 100 specific items. The company has taken a proactive approach, concentrating on the new MSHA initiative, “rules to live by,” which apply particularly to sites with special assessments, and daily operational checks include the inspection items. All company managers in sand and gravel and concrete production were briefed and received the standards to ensure daily compliance.
“Our employees make mining and operational safety their culture, and I credit them for making the MSHA inspections so successful,” said William Mancuso, Chaney Enterprises safety manager.