November 2017 Executive Director’s Blog

As November is upon us and Thanksgiving just around the corner, it’s clear 2017 is moving very fast.  I am sure everyone is busy with your businesses and so is the Colorado Stone, Sand & Gravel Association.  Here is what we have been up to and the items being focused on the remainder of the year.

• In October, we hosted another very successful Industry Roundtable Session, as part of the CSSGA Land Use & Environmental Committee meeting.  Similar to previous roundtable meetings, this was a great opportunity for discussion between the invited agencies and CSSGA members. The goal of the meeting was to continue to promote proactive discussion and open communication with industry and regulatory bodies.  Key employees of these agencies, including DRMS, CDPHE’s Air Pollution Control Division, CDPHE’s Water Quality Control Division, and the State Engineers Office attended and communicated changes and direction for their specific groups.  I want to thank these departments for their willingness to share information with stakeholders such as CSSGA.
• Also, CSSGA continues to communicate with MSHA on behalf of the mining industry regarding a new Workplace Examination Ruling.  As hearings are set in several locations across the US, the public is encouraged to provide comments on the proposed changes.  In late October, I testified at the hearing in Salt Lake City on behalf of CSSGA, to encourage MSHA to either eliminate the proposed changes, or make modifications, as those proposed will not have the impact MSHA is expecting.  While CSSGA and all our members promote safety as the most important area of focus, burdensome changes and layers of bureaucracy are not the answer.
• We are very close to launching the Mine Safety Institute, our brand new “Learning Management System” which allows us to offer MSHA New Miner Training on-line!  This program is a partnership between CSSGA and DRMS and is a complete overhaul and advancement of our previous Part 46 safety training program.   This on-demand computer based training was shown to the CSSGA board of directors in October and is anticipated for full release by year end.  I believe anyone requiring MSHA training will be impressed with the content and overall program, as we all work towards more effective ways to train employees and drive safety.   Annelise Shepherd and Tom Woerdeman of Transit Mix along with the Safety Committee’s Task Force have done a great job on this project and once you see it, you will agree!
• Lastly, the joint CSSGA/CRMCA Annual Conference is scheduled for November 16-17 at the Broadmoor in Colorado Springs.  It is open to all members and is a great opportunity to network and keep up to speed on the aggregate industry and association news.  Speakers include Laura Beverage with Jackson Kelly, discussing the Administrations Effect on OSHA/MSHA, breakout presentations on pertinent mining subjects, and Stacy Pederson, a great banquet keynote speaker that will both inspire and entertain you.  I hope to see everyone at this exciting event. Register by November 5 to avoid late fees.

Thanks for reading and don’t forget to check us out at Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter.  Thank you and I hope you have a safe fall season.

Todd R. Ohlheiser

Executive Director