MSHA Proposes Delay in Rule on Examinations of Working Places

The Department of Labor (DOL) has proposed a delay in the effective date of the final rule on Examinations of Working Places in Metal and Nonmetal Mines from May 23, 2017, to July 24, 2017. The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) is proposing to delay the effective date to assure that mine operators and miners affected by the final rule have the training and compliance assistance they need. The proposed delay is also consistent with the Jan. 20, 2017, White House memorandum, titled “Regulatory Freeze Pending Review.” MSHA published the final rule on Jan. 23, 2017. The agency is soliciting comments on the limited issue of whether to extend the effective date to July 24, 2017, and whether this extension offers an appropriate length of time for compliance.