Workplace exams rule enforcement delayed to October

The Mine Safety & Health Administration (MSHA) is extending the effective date of its final rule on workplace exams in metal and nonmetal mines to Oct 2.

According to MSHA, the extension will allow additional time for the agency to provide training and compliance assistance for its stakeholders.

Specifically, the extension will allow the agency to hold informational meetings and focus on compliance assistance visits at various locations around the nation, MSHA says. The additional time will also allow MSHA to train inspectors to assure consistent enforcement.

MSHA is developing a variety of compliance-assistance materials for the mining industry. The agency will make these available to stakeholders and post them on MSHA’s website.