By Brent I. Clark and Ilana R. Morady

iStock_000009254156LargeSeyfarth Synopsis: The proposed MSHA rule would require mine operators to examine their mines and to notify miners of dangerous conditions.

MSHA announced today that it has formally submitted a proposed mine examination rule for publication in the June 8, 2016 Federal Register.  81 Fed. Reg. 36818.

The proposed mine examination rule (RIN:1219-AB87) would require metal and nonmetal mine operators to: (1) examine their facilities before a shift begins; (2) explicitly notify miners of any dangerous conditions found; and (3) record their examinations and establish processes to fix hazards.  The current rule allows operators to examine mines during a shift.

MSHA will gather input on this proposed rule in four meetings to be held in Salt Lake City, UT (July 19), Pittsburgh, PA (July 21), Arlington, VA (July 26) and Birmingham, AL (Aug. 4).

Last year, MSHA chief, Joe Main, stated that tightening mine inspection requirements was one of his highest regulatory priorities.