Frankfort, KY — A new Kentucky law reduces – to one from two – the number of certified emergency medical and mine emergency technicians required during each shift at small underground coal mines.
H.B. 196 became law on March 25 after Gov. Andy Beshear (D) permitted it to do so without his signature. In a press release issued a day earlier, he called the bill a mixed bag.
Sponsored by Rep. John Blanton (R-Salyersville), H.B. 196 requires that shifts with 10 miners or fewer include one MET – a miner trained to provide emergency medical care and stabilize an injured worker’s condition.
Two METs are required during shifts involving 11-50 miners. One more technician must be added for each additional 50 miners.
Similar legislation was introduced in 2024.
The Kentucky Senate passed the measure with a 30-7 vote on March 12. Supporters say it will help sustain small mining operations. Sen. Robin Webb (D-Grayson), a former underground coal miner, meanwhile, voted against the bill, saying it compromises worker safety.
“The Department of Mines and Minerals trains these folks; it’s not that big of a deal to go get your certification,” Webb said before the vote. “It’s not hard to staff under the present law. And I guarantee you if something happens down there, you’re going to need all the help you can get.”
