MSHA announces new pattern-of-violations tool

Arlington, VA – The Mine Safety and Health Administration on April 7 launched an online service for tracking a mine’s compliance history to determine if it faces a potential pattern of violations.

Mine operators, miners, media and the public can use the tool to evaluate how a mine matches up with POV criteria (.pdf file).

The tool is based on feedback from the mining industry and recommendations from a September audit report (.pdf file) from the Department of Labor Office of Inspector General, according to an MSHA press release. The OIG report said MSHA had never used its POV authority because of a lack of focus and leadership.

MSHA said enforcement data, which POV status is based on, will be updated monthly.

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