Once again Catamount Consulting and Jackson Lewis LLP has teamed up to provide Alternative Case Resolution Initiative (ACRI) workshops January 13th ? 15th, 2015 in Las Vegas and March 31-April 2, 2015 in Tampa, FL.
The U.S. Department of Labor?s Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) has enacted the second phase of major reforms increasing the number of inspections of coal, mineral and aggregate mining operations and strengthening enforcement of existing regulations. With more rigorous MSHA regulations, the mining industry has experienced an influx in citations and penalties over the last several years.
Catamount Consulting, in conjunction with Jackson Lewis, has developed a series of workshops to help educate the mining community on how to navigate the citation process and potentially avoid or lower costly penalties.
?We have partnered with Catamount Consulting to provide industry experts who can teach mine operators how to professionally work with MSHA,? says Mark Savit, partner at Jackson Lewis.
Developed by MSHA, the ACRI process allows ACRI-trained, non-attorney MSHA specialists to resolve or adjudicate select enforcement disputes with mine operators resulting from citations under the Mine Act. The use of ACRI has spread to every type of citation except where serious, disabling or fatal injuries are involved.
?Mine operators need to know how to avoid and respond to any violations on their sites before a MSHA inspection,? says Scott McKenna, owner of Catamount Consulting. ?Ignorance of rights, responsibilities, the Code of Federal Regulations and the ACRI process is simply reckless.?
The two-and-a-half-day workshops will cover the legal and procedural processes involved in field inspections, citations and ACRI resolutions. Mine operators and representatives will gain valuable skills necessary to participate in the ACRI process without having to attain outside legal representation.
Attorneys from Jackson Lewis LLP, a preeminent Washington D.C.-based firm, will provide professional insight into MSHA laws and litigation procedures. Participants will learn how to organize and present legal arguments. They will also receive a manual including form pleadings, which are useful in preparing for settlement conferences and proceedings with administrative law judges.
The ACRI workshop will be held at the Monte Carlo Resort & Casino, Las Vegas, NV, (January 13-15, 2015). The Tampa location (March 31-April 2, 2015) is still being decided but details will be coming soon. The cost to attend is $625 per person. More information on the seminar can be found at http://www.catamountconsultingllc.eliteventure.dev or by calling Catamount Consulting at (518) 623-2352.
About Catamount Consulting
Catamount Consulting provides comprehensive on and off-site training in all facets of MSHA, OSHA and work zone safety, as well as company management training and motivational presentation. The firm has locations throughout the Northeast, servicing clients locally and nationally.
About Mark Savit, Jackson Lewis LLP
Mark Savit counsels clients in government investigations, and on regulatory matters, to help limit civil liabilities, prevent criminal prosecutions, and promote sound health, safety, and environmental policies. He has expertise in health and safety law, environmental law including mining and related litigation and legislative services. Mark began his career at the Department of the Interior where he headed the special investigation unit of the Mining Enforcement and Safety Administration.
