H.R. 5663: Updating Mine Safety Standards to Prevent Explosions

by Press Staff (Note: The information below pertains to the version of H.R. 5663 that was amended and passed by the Committee on July 21, 2010.)

THE ROBERT C. BYRD MINER SAFETY AND HEALTH ACT: Making Work Safer for America’s Miners

The Miner Safety and Health Act of 2010 (H.R. 5663) would update mine safety standards to prevent explosions.

Problem:  Combustible coal dust limits are based on scientific studies nearly a century old and could allow coal dust explosions to readily propagate.

Solution: The bill would require the use of greater amounts of rock dusting, which holds down the levels of combustible coal dust. The bill mandates new monitoring technology to provide real time rock dust measurements.

The bill would also require the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health to advise MSHA on the feasibility of using continuous atmospheric monitoring systems to detect explosive levels of methane in underground coal mines.

Problem: Miners starting a new shift do not know what hazards may be present in their working area from the previous shift.

Solution: The bill would require pre-shift communications to incoming miners on hazards and other problems in the mine.

Problem: Additional health and safety training is needed to protect miners and ensure they know their rights.

Solution: The bill would allow MSHA to prescribe additional training beyond current law where a history of non-compliance or accidents indicates a need for additional training. MSHA would also be allowed to include a one-hour refresher training on worker rights and obligations in addition to the eight hours already required by law.

Problem: Even though some mine operators employ more contractors than employees at mine sites, MSHA does not have data on contractor injury rates for each mine, and is too often blind to whether a mine has excessive injuries or illnesses.

Solution: Contractors would be responsible for reporting injuries, illnesses and hours worked at each mine site. Reports to MSHA have to be signed by a responsible individual who holds a certification, which can be revoked for knowingly submitting a false report.