Rep Andrews Supports Legislation to Make Work Safer for Miners 

Last week the House Education and Labor Committee approved mine safety and health legislation that would help prevent mining disasters, improve emergency response when disasters do occur, and reduce long-term health risks, such as black lung disease, facing miners.  For the past six years, the Mine Safety and Health Administration  has neglected to aggressively implement rules and standards created to protect miners.  However, I am proud to announce that Congress has taken large steps to improve miner safety. Due to the steadfast leadership of Chairman Miller, our committee passed a bill that puts the interest of the American worker first, and I applaud Chairman Miller and the members of the Education and Labor committee for all of their efforts on this important issue. 

Mining remains one of the most dangerous occupations in America, with a fatality rate more than seven times higher than the average for all private industries. So far this year, 56 miners have died on the job in the U.S. The legislation approved today, H.R. 2768, the Supplementary Mine Improvement and New Emergency Response Act (S-MINER), builds on legislation signed into law in 2006 by addressing serious gaps in mine safety and health standards.  

Specifically, the S-MINER Act would:

Help prevent disasters. It would add new safeguards for a dangerous practice called “retreat mining.” It would strengthen standards to contain explosions and fires inside mines. It strengthens the enforcement hand of the federal Mine Safety and Health Administration, in part by giving the agency subpoena authority. It increases certain penalties against mine operators that violate the law. And it creates a miner ombudsman’s office to handle safety complaints from miners.
Improve emergency response in the event that a disaster does occur. The legislation more clearly defines MSHA’s responsibilities and authority at the scene of a disaster. It requires MSHA to develop a plan to better coordinate with state and local authorities. It establishes rules for independent investigations of mining disasters. And it would improve safety technology in the mines, including better tracking and communications equipment, more reliable air supplies, and the installation of refuge chambers where trapped miners can safely await rescue.
Reduce long-term health risks facing miners. The legislation updates standards to combat black lung disease and to reduce miners’ exposure to other deadly health risks, such as asbestos. It also strengthens rules to better inform miners of the health risks they face.  

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