MSHA proposes tougher POV rule

Arlington, VA – A new proposed rule (.pdf file) from the Mine Safety and Health Administration would eliminate the warning letters operators receive about a potential pattern of violations, as well as the requirement that only final citations and orders can be used in a POV review.

The rule, published in the Feb. 2 Federal Register, would require MSHA to post specific POV criteria and compliance information in a searchable database instead of providing advance notice to operators. MSHA also would conduct POV screenings at least twice a year instead of once.