As the House Committee on Education and Labor Subcommittees on Workforce Protections and Civil Rights and Human Services examine vaccine mandates in the workplace, I am writing to share our concerns regarding the obligations of the executive order requiring vaccinations or COVID-19 testing through an Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) at the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) or the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA). Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, aggregates operators have taken aggressive actions to protect workers, as they continue to produce A

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, aggregates operators have taken aggressive actions to protect workers, as they continue to produce America’s essential building materials. We support your overall goal of vaccinating Americans against COVID-19 and have launched a national vaccination campaign in concert with our member companies.

We appreciate President Biden’s commitment to MSHA in his FY 2022 budget request and urge the Committees to support additional funding for MSHA’s Directorate of Educational Policy and Development (EPD). EPD is essential to promoting mine safety through better training and compliance assistance. Further, we call on the Committees to provide resources for thorough and continuous training of inspectors – particularly newly hired individuals and those who are transitioning from inspecting coal mines to inspecting metal/non-metal operations.

ALEXANDRIA, VA – The National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association (NSSGA) Vice President of Government and Regulatory Affairs Michele Stanley issued the following statement as the U.S. Department of Labor released its long awaited Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) which targets healthcare and does not cover other workplaces under the jurisdiction of OSHA or MSHA.

In light of recent positive developments to control the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we are writing to, once again, share our concerns with the implementation of an emergency temporary standard by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) or the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA). The National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association (NSSGA) shares your strong desire to protect American workers and we are proud of our partnership with the Department of Labor (DOL) to advance its critical mission. 

ALEXANDRIA, VA – The National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association (NSSGA) Vice President of Government and Regulatory Affairs Michele Stanley issued the following statement commending the Mine Safety & Health Administration’s (MSHA) new C

We do not believe an ETS is either necessary or practical at this time, particularly for the aggregates industry, which already has strong tailored programs in place. If OSHA does determine an ETS should be issued, then the ETS should focus on industries that have demonstrated heightened risk, prioritize flexibility, and allow for a stakeholder comment period before it is issued.

On behalf of the 400 members of the National Stone, Sand and Gravel Association I would like to take this opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to continue working with you and your colleagues across the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) to promote miner safety.