Coal

Arlington, VA – Virtually all respirable coal dust samples collected earlier this year complied with Mine Safety and Health Administration coal mine dust standards, the agency announced July 18.

Washington – NIOSH has developed a mobile app to help miners assess the ergonomics of three mining tasks: bagging, maintenance and repair, and haul truck operations.

Arlington, VA – The Mine Safety and Health Administration is seeking information on ways to monitor and regulate miner exposure to diesel exhaust in underground mines.

Arlington, VA – Beginning July 1, the Mine Safety and Health Administration will increase enforcement of its “Rules to Live By” initiative, as well as the nine common standards that fall under the agency’s Exam Rule, the agency announced during a May 12 stakeholder meeting.

Washington – The Department of Labor’s Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs has issued a final rule intended to increase protections – including full access to medical information – for coal miners who have black lung disease.

Arlington, VA – The Mine Safety and Health Administration has released a safety alert in response to seven stockpile incidents involving dozers in 2015.

Washington – NIOSH will be offering free, confidential health screenings to coal miners to help detect the occupational lung disease known as black lung in its early stages.

Frankfort, KY – A sharp downturn in the coal mining industry is prompting some lawmakers in Kentucky to consider ending state safety inspections of coal mines.

Arlington, VA – The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit on Jan. 25 rejected two challenges from coal industry groups about a Mine Safety and Health Administration final rule intended to lower miner exposure to coal mine dust.

Arlington, VA – Last year, 28 miners died on the job – the lowest total on record, according to preliminary data from the Mine Safety and Health Administration.