Federal Judge Bans Construction Owner from Colorado Mine Over Lack of Safety Training

Federal Judge Bans Construction Owner from Colorado Mine Over Lack of Safety Training

The judgment follows several near-misses and a reported employee injury at the worksite.

Steamboat Springs, Colorado-based Duckels Construction Inc. is grappling with stringent legal mandates surrounding mine safety. On Oct. 13, 2023, the U.S. District Court of Colorado issued an agreed consent order and judgment barring owner Fred Duckels from accessing the mining site until he can present evidence that has completed the mandatory safety training to do so.

According to a release dated Oct. 18, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) launched the investigation, which revealed Duckels neglected to adhere to safety training protocols. Despite initial warnings, Duckels not only continued to access the mine but was also linked to several hazardous incidents, including an instance where an employee was reportedly injured due to an excavator mishap.

“Miners already face many life-threatening hazards in addition to operators refusing to comply with federal requirements,” Regional Solicitor John Rainwater in Denver said in a statement. “The U.S. Department of Labor will continue to hold operators accountable and ensure that all federal safety requirements — including completing required training — are met.”

Duckels Construction Inc. and Duckels now face the challenges posed by this mandate, as the matter is currently unresolved.

About the Author

Robert Yaniz Jr. is the Content Editor of Occupational Health & Safety.

Product Showcase

  • The MGC Simple Plus

    The MGC Simple Plus is a simple-to-use, portable multi gas detector that runs continuously for three years without being recharged or routinely calibrated after its initial charge and calibration during manufacturing. The detector reliably tests a worksite’s atmosphere for hydrogen sulfide, carbon monoxide, oxygen and combustible gases (LEL). Its durability enables the detector to withstand the harshest treatment and environments, hence earning it an IP 68 rating. The MGC Simple Plus is also compatible with a variety of accessories, such as the GCT External Pump. Visit gascliptech.com for more information. 3

  • Preventative Heat Safety

    Dehydration and heat exposure impair physical and cognitive performance. Proper hydration boosts heat stress resilience, but hydration needs are highly individualized and hard to predict across a workforce. Connected Hydration® empowers industrial athletes to stay safe through behavioral interventions, informed by sports science, and equips safety teams with critical insights to anticipate high-risk situations and adapt to evolving environmental factors. Curious about applying the latest in sports science based hydration strategies for industrial athletes? Stop by booth #1112 at AIHA or schedule a free demo today at https://epcr.cc/demo. 3

  • HAZ LO HEADLAMPS

    With alkaline or rechargeable options, these safety rated, Class 1, Div. 1 Headlamps provide long runtime with both spot and flood options in the same light. Work safely and avoid trip hazards with flexible hands-free lighting from Streamlight. 3

Featured

Webinars