Examinations of Working Places in Metal and Nonmetal Mines Proposed Rules

Delay of Effective Date; and Limited Reopening of the Rulemaking Record; Notice of Public Hearings; Close of Comment Period

On September 12, 2017, MSHA will publish two proposed rules in the Federal Register to amend the Agency’s Examinations of Working Places in Metal and Nonmetal Mines final rule (82 FR 7680). Both proposed rules will be available for viewing on September 11, 2017, at 8:45 a.m. at the Office of the Federal Register, Public Inspection Desk.

The first proposed rule would make limited changes to the Agency’s final rule. These proposed changes seek to provide mine operators additional flexibility in managing their safety and health programs and reduce regulatory burdens without reducing protections afforded miners.

The second proposed rule would further delay the effective date of the final rule to ensure that the mining community can be provided the training and compliance assistance needed before the final rule becomes effective.

Comments on the proposed extension must be received by midnight Daylight Saving Time on September 26, 2017.