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DOL/MSHA | RIN: 1219-AB73 | Publication ID: Fall 2011 |
Title: Pattern of Violations | |
Abstract: MSHA is preparing a final rule to revise the Agency's existing regulation for pattern of violations contained in 30 CFR part 104. MSHA has determined that the existing pattern criteria and procedures do not reflect the statutory intent for section 104(e) of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 (Mine Act) that operators manage health and safety conditions at mines so that the root causes of significant and substantial (S&S) violations are addressed before they become a hazard to the health and safety of miners. The legislative history of the Mine Act explains that Congress intended the pattern of violations tool to be used for operators who have demonstrated a disregard for the health and safety of miners. The final rule would reflect statutory intent, simplify the pattern of violations criteria, and improve consistency in applying the patterns of violations criteria. | |
Agency: Department of Labor(DOL) | Priority: Other Significant |
RIN Status: Previously published in the Unified Agenda | Agenda Stage of Rulemaking: Final Rule Stage |
Major: No | Unfunded Mandates: No |
CFR Citation: 30 CFR 104 | |
Legal Authority: 30 USC 814(e) 30 USC 957 |
Legal Deadline:
None |
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Statement of Need: The pattern of violations provision was a new enforcement tool in the Mine Act. The Mine Act places the ultimate responsibility for ensuring the safety and health of miners on mine operators. The goal of the pattern of violations proposed rule is to compel operators to manage health and safety conditions so that the root causes of S&S violations are found and fixed before they become a hazard to miners. MSHA's existing regulation is not consistent with the language, purpose, and legislative history of the Mine Act and hinders the Agency's use of pattern of violations to identify chronic violators who thumb their noses at the law by a continuing cycle of citation and abatement. |
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Summary of the Legal Basis: Promulgation of this standard is authorized by sections 104(e) and 508 of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977. |
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Alternatives: MSHA will consider alternative criteria for determining when a pattern of significant and substantial violations exists in order to improve health and safety conditions in mines and provide protection for miners. Congress provided the Secretary with broad discretion in determining criteria, recognizing that MSHA may need to modify the criteria as Agency experience dictates. |
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Anticipated Costs and Benefits: MSHA will develop a regulatory economic analysis to accompany the final rule. |
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Risks: Mine operators with a chronic history of persistent serious violations needlessly expose miners to the same hazards again and again. These operators demonstrate a disregard for the safety and health of miners; this indicates a serious safety and health management problem at the mine. The existing regulation has not been effective in reducing repeated risks to miners at these mines. |
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Timetable:
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Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined | Government Levels Affected: None |
Small Entities Affected: Businesses | Federalism: No |
Included in the Regulatory Plan: Yes | |
RIN Information URL: www.msha.gov/regsinfo.htm | Public Comment URL: http://www.regulations.gov |
RIN Data Printed in the FR: No | |
Agency Contact: Roslyn B. Fontaine Deputy Director, Office of Standards, Regulations, and Variances Department of Labor Mine Safety and Health Administration 201 12th Street S, Suite 401, Arlington, VA 22202 Phone:202 693-9440 Fax:202 693-9441 Email: fontaine.roslyn@dol.gov |