Mine Safety and Health Administration Proposes Alcohol and Drug Testing for Mine Operators

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Researched by Industrial Info Resources (Sugar Land, Texas)--The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) has proposed regulations to prohibit and test for alcoholic beverages and drugs for all mine operations. The MSHA was formed to administer and enforce the 1977 Federal Mine Safety and Health Act and is tasked with improving mandatory safety and health standards for metal/nonmetal and coal mines.

The Bureau of Labor and Statistics ranks mining as the second highest industry sector for fatal occupational injury rates. Mine fatalities totaled 73 in 2006 and 65 in 2007. Year-to-date fatalities for 2008 are 45. Within the proposed regulations, the MSHA states, "Mining is a complicated and hazardous occupation," and further asserts that, "The inherent risks in mining would only be compounded by the dangers of alcohol or drug use at the worksite."

New regulations would prohibit controlled substances in or around mine property, with the exception of prescription medication used as authorized by a physician. Regulations would also require mine operators to maintain a five-point alcohol and drug free policy including: a written policy, employee and supervisor training, drug and alcohol testing of miners performing safety-sensitive duties, and assistance referrals for miners in violation of the policy. The proposal includes specifications for pre-employment substance testing, random testing and investigational testing following any mine accidents. Testing would cover illegal drugs, alcohol and prescription drugs used illegally or outside of prescribed therapeutic levels. If violations occur, miners would be removed from safety-sensitive jobs until completion of recommended treatment as well as confirmation of alcohol- and drug-free status as determined by a return-to-duty test.

Many mine operators have already developed drug-free workplace policies and reported direct workplace improvements. Two states, Kentucky and Virginia, currently have drug-testing laws, which require miners to undergo drug-testing to obtain and maintain a state miner's certification. MSHA regulations were initially posted on the Federal Register in September. Public hearings concerning the proposed rules are ongoing, with all public comments due by November 10.

Industrial Info currently tracks 930 operational mines and 220 mines under development in the U.S. and Canada. The recently released Canada & U.S. Mining Industry - 1st Edition wall map features locations and names of these mines, mine types, operation start dates and valuable information on project spending within the market sector.

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