Witnesses Say Backlog Of Mine Appeals Is Undermining Safety

摘要

Large numbers of mine-owner appeals of health and safety violations are delaying tougher penalties and undermining efforts to protect miners, witnesses told the House Education and Labor Committee last month.rnWhen the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) cites a mine operator for a safety violation, owners can challenge the violation through the Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission. But, according to the testimony of review commission chair Mary Lu Jordan, the average time it takes to conclude a case has risen over the last 3 years from 178 days to 401 days.