Mine operators are now required to identify and correct hazardous conditions and violations of any nine health and safety standards due to the new federal mine regulation that went into effect just a couple of days ago. A strong push for the extent of regulation in this area was heavily caused from the reaction of the explosion at the Upper Big Branch mine that killed 29 miners and repeated violations found in accident reports and enforcement data over a five-year period.
“Effective pre-shift, supplemental, on-shift and weekly examinations are the first line of defense to protect miners working in underground coal mines,” says Joseph A. Main, Assistant Secretary of Labor for Mine Safety and Health.
The nine health and safety standards address ventilation, methane, roof control, combustible materials, rock dust, equipment guarding, and other safeguards.
To view the new ruling, visit https://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2012/04/06/2012-8328/examinations-of-work-areas-in-underground-coal-mines-for-violations-of-mandatory-health-or-safety.