The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) will review a Mine Safety & Health Administration (MSHA) rule on workplace examinations, reports the National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association (NSSGA).
According to NSSGA, Patricia Silvey, MSHA deputy assistant secretary for operations, told the association that stakeholder outreach was originally slated to begin in March but will now proceed “at an appropriate time.” Silvey says she doesn’t expect any change over the next month or so.
The rule was published in the Federal Register on Jan. 23 and is set to go into effect May 23. The rule requires examinations before work begins in a work area. The rule requires the examiner to note his or her name, adverse conditions found during an exam, the exam dates and any abatements made. It also requires miners be notified of any hazards found during the examination.
NSSGA has pursued options to challenge this rule, arguing it risks impeding an operator’s ability to effectively manage for safety.
