MSHA Proposes Rule on Pattern of Violations
Posted in GA Updates on Fri, Feb 25, 2011
MSHA has proposed to revise its existing regulation for pattern of
violations (POV). MSHA has determined that the existing regulation
does not adequately achieve the intent of the Federal Mine Safety
and Health Act of 1977 (Mine Act) that the POV provision be used to
address operators who have demonstrated a disregard for the safety
and health of miners. MSHA states that Congress included the POV
provision in the Mine Act so that operators would manage safety and
health conditions at mines and find and fix the root causes of
significant and substantial (S&S) violations to protect the safety
and health of miners. MSHA also states that the proposal would
simplify the existing POV criteria, improve consistency in applying
the POV criteria, and more adequately achieve the statutory intent.
It would also encourage chronic violators to comply with the Mine
Act and MSHA's safety and health standards, according to MSHA.
Comments are due April 4, 2011.
http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2011/2011-2255.htm
