Contesting MSHA Citations: Successful Strategies to Reduce Liability 6 th Annual Tennessee Mining Conference November 17, 2014 Presented by: Matthew R. Korn (803) LinkedIn Group: MSHA Regulatory and Enforcement Updates Atlanta · Boston · Charlotte · Chicago · Cleveland · Columbia · Dallas · Denver · Fort Lauderdale · Houston · Irvine · Kansas City · Las Vegas · Los Angeles · Louisville Memphis · New England · New Jersey · New Orleans · Orlando · Philadelphia · Phoenix · Portland · San Diego · San Francisco · Tampa · Washington, DC Fisher & Phillips LLP ATTORNEYS AT LAW Solutions at Work ®

Overview Uh oh…we got a citation. Now what? How informal can I be? Time to put on the tie Who’s that in the front of the room with the long black robe? Fisher & Phillips LLP ATTORNEYS AT LAW Solutions at Work ® ● Phone (803)

Managing the inspection Be prepared. Be active. Be respectfully curious. Be professional. Fisher & Phillips LLP ATTORNEYS AT LAW Solutions at Work ® ● Phone (803)

Closing it out What to say… What not to say… How to know the difference Fisher & Phillips LLP ATTORNEYS AT LAW Solutions at Work ® ● Phone (803)

Informal conference To request or not to request... That is the question. Fisher & Phillips LLP ATTORNEYS AT LAW Solutions at Work ® ● Phone (803)

Should I show my hand? Providing the “right” information Will they buy it? Fisher & Phillips LLP ATTORNEYS AT LAW Solutions at Work ® ● Phone (803)

Thinking through the contest MSHA Needs to VACATE this Citation Fisher & Phillips LLP ATTORNEYS AT LAW Solutions at Work ® ● Phone (803)

Ok, maybe not vacate…but What’s your goal? Money? S&S? Unwarrantable? The Inspector “got it wrong” Fisher & Phillips LLP ATTORNEYS AT LAW Solutions at Work ® ● Phone (803)

That’s not significant and substantial What will MSHA find persuasive? Facts? Cases? Statistics? Does our training plan help us? Fisher & Phillips LLP ATTORNEYS AT LAW Solutions at Work ® ● Phone (803)

Who knew I could be “moderately” negligent? What’s the difference in levels of negligence? How do I get MSHA to reduce the negligence? Does it even matter? Fisher & Phillips LLP ATTORNEYS AT LAW Solutions at Work ® ● Phone (803)

MSHA denied our request – what now? Checking the box Preparing in advance Seek advice from others Fisher & Phillips LLP ATTORNEYS AT LAW Solutions at Work ® ● Phone (803)

You show me yours… FOIA Requests Discovery Requests Do I have to show them mine? Fisher & Phillips LLP ATTORNEYS AT LAW Solutions at Work ® ● Phone (803)

What’s a “Notice of Contest”? Must submit within 30 days! But, is it worth it? Fisher & Phillips LLP ATTORNEYS AT LAW Solutions at Work ® ● Phone (803)

You called, and I Answered. Responding to all allegations Affirmative defenses Is all of 30 CFR Void for Vagueness? Fisher & Phillips LLP ATTORNEYS AT LAW Solutions at Work ® ● Phone (803)

It’s like a game of chess…ok, checkers. Settlement Talks – Early and Often What’s the basis for your argument, counselor? Be professional…did I say that already? Fisher & Phillips LLP ATTORNEYS AT LAW Solutions at Work ® ● Phone (803)

Global settlement conference…not just for Israel-Palestine Did you get more than one citation? All it takes is a handshake Efficiency drives productivity Fisher & Phillips LLP ATTORNEYS AT LAW Solutions at Work ® ● Phone (803)

You can’t handle the truth Deposing the Inspector Defending your Witness Can I handle it? Fisher & Phillips LLP ATTORNEYS AT LAW Solutions at Work ® ● Phone (803)

Stating your case Demystifying the Hearing Presenting the Evidence Your Honor Fisher & Phillips LLP ATTORNEYS AT LAW Solutions at Work ® ● Phone (803)

After the dust settles VICTORY! I think the Judge missed something… 26.2 miles Fisher & Phillips LLP ATTORNEYS AT LAW Solutions at Work ® ● Phone (803)

Knowing when to ask for help So, why do we pay for lawyers? Various levels of assistance Fisher & Phillips LLP ATTORNEYS AT LAW Solutions at Work ® ● Phone (803)

Fisher & Phillips LLP ATTORNEYS AT LAW Solutions at Work ® ● Phone (803) Fisher & Phillips LLP ATTORNEYS AT LAW Solutions at Work ® Any Questions? Thank You Presented by: Matthew R. Korn (803) LinkedIn Group: MSHA Regulatory and Enforcement Updates Atlanta · Boston · Charlotte · Chicago · Cleveland · Columbia · Dallas · Denver · Fort Lauderdale · Houston · Irvine · Kansas City · Las Vegas · Los Angeles · Louisville Memphis · New England · New Jersey · New Orleans · Orlando · Philadelphia · Phoenix · Portland · San Diego · San Francisco · Tampa · Washington, DC This presentation should not be construed as legal advice or legal opinion on any specific facts or circumstances. The contents are intended for general information purposes only, and you are urged to consult counsel concerning your own situation and any specific legal questions you may have.