Workplace exams rule to be re-examined

The Mine Safety & Health Administration‘s (MSHA) rule on workplace exams may be getting a makeover.

According to the National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association (NSSGA), MSHA is proposing to rework the rule so exams occur “before work begins, or as miners begin work in that place.”

Also, MSHA is proposing an extension of the rule’s effective date from Oct. 2 of this year to March 2, 2018 to accommodate comments and discussion on the rule.

“NSSGA and aggregates operations have consistently raised concerns with the previous workplace examination rule, and it appears that MSHA is willing to listen to the industry,” says Laura O’Neill-Kaumo, NSSGA senior vice president of government and regulatory affairs.

The workplace exams rule, as previously proposed, mandated that exams be conducted before work starts, according to NSSGA.

In addition, as part of the rule’s continued development, MSHA reduced the number of required items for inclusion in the rule’s documentation section, NSSGA says. The rule previously called for producers to document all hazards and their abatements. The revised rule asks producers to document only hazards that are not abated promptly. In this case, “promptly” means “before miners are potentially exposed to adverse conditions,” NSSGA adds.