Fixing Mine Defects Starts with Fixing Paperwork Burdens
Published Date: 7/27/2026
Notice
Summary
The Department of Labor (DOL), as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, conducts a pre- clearance consultation program for all information collections, to provide the public and Federal agencies with an opportunity to comment on proposed collections of information, in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. This program helps to ensure that requested data can be provided in the desired format, reporting burden (time and financial resources) is minimized, collection instruments are clearly understood, and the impact of collection requirements on respondents can be properly assessed. The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) is soliciting comments on the information collection titled "Safety Defects, Examination, Correction, and Records."
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 2 costs, 2 mixed.
Ongoing Reporting Burden for Mines
MSHA is proposing to extend the existing information collection, which affects mines and mine operators. The ICR lists 11,687 annual respondents, 6,055,179 annual responses, 1,351,405 annual hours of burden, and $427,919 in annual recordkeeping costs.
Shift-by-Shift Workplace Inspections Required
A competent person designated by the operator must examine each working place at least once each shift before miners begin work, and the operator must record the examination before the end of the shift. The record must include the examiner's name, date, locations examined, descriptions of unsafe conditions, include the date of corrective action when corrected, be kept for at least one year, and a copy must be provided to miners' representatives on request.
Certified Inspections for Boilers and Pressure Vessels
Compressed-air receivers, unfired pressure vessels, and boilers must be inspected by inspectors holding a valid National Board Commission and in accordance with the National Board Inspection Code and the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code. Records of inspections and repairs must be kept per those codes and made available to the Secretary or authorized representatives.
Operator Equipment Checks and Defect Tagging
Self-propelled mobile equipment must be inspected by the equipment operator before each shift; defects that affect safety must be corrected promptly. Equipment that is hazardous must be taken out of service or clearly tagged, and defects not corrected immediately must be recorded and those records kept at the mine or nearest office until correction and made available to the Secretary.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-15670, Roof Control Plan Approval Criteria
In response to a public request, the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) is reopening the rulemaking record and is scheduling a virtual public hearing on the Agency's proposed rule published on July 1, 2025, titled, "Roof Control Plan Approval Criteria."
2026-15717, Ventilation Plan Approval Criteria
In response to a public request, the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) is reopening the rulemaking record and is scheduling a virtual public hearing on the Agency's proposed rule published on July 1, 2025, titled, "Ventilation Plan Approval Criteria."
2026-10456, Department of Labor Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act Annual Adjustments for 2026
Good news for businesses and workers: the Department of Labor won’t raise any fines or penalties in 2026 because the usual inflation data wasn’t available. This means all civil penalties stay the same starting May 27, 2026. So, no surprise cost hikes this year—just steady rules and steady fees!
2026-15140, Proposed Extension of Information Collection: Sealing of Abandoned Areas
The Mine Safety and Health Administration wants to keep collecting info about sealing off abandoned mine areas to keep miners safe. They’re asking for public feedback by September 25, 2026, to make sure the process is clear and not too much work. This extension won’t add extra costs but helps keep safety rules up to date for everyone involved in mining.
2026-15139, Proposed Extension of Information Collection: Safety Standards for Underground Coal Mine Ventilation-Belt Entry Used as an Intake Air Course To Ventilate Working Sections and Areas Where Mechanized Mining Equipment Is Being Installed or Removed
The Mine Safety and Health Administration wants to keep collecting info on how underground coal mines use belt entries for fresh air while installing or removing mining gear. This helps keep miners safe by making sure ventilation rules are followed. If you’re involved in coal mining, you can share your thoughts by September 25, 2026, with no new costs or big changes planned.
2026-15141, Proposed Extension of Information Collection: Safety Program for Surface Mobile Equipment
The Mine Safety and Health Administration wants to keep collecting info about safety programs for surface mobile equipment used in mines. This helps make sure workers stay safe while keeping paperwork easy and clear. If you’re involved with mining equipment, you can share your thoughts by September 25, 2026—no extra costs or big changes are planned right now.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-15134, Proposed Extension of Information Collection: Hoist Operators' Physical Fitness
The Department of Labor (DOL), as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, conducts a pre- clearance consultation program for all information collections, to provide the public and Federal agencies with an opportunity to comment on proposed collections of information, in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. This program helps to ensure that requested data can be provided in the desired format, reporting burden (time and financial resources) is minimized, collection instruments are clearly understood, and the impact of collection requirements on respondents can be properly assessed. The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) is soliciting comments on the information collection titled "Hoist Operators' Physical Fitness."
Next: 2026-15136, Proposed Extension of Information Collection: Rock Burst Control Plan (Pertains to Underground Metal/Nonmetal Mines)
The Department of Labor (DOL), as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, conducts a pre- clearance consultation program for all information collections, to provide the public and Federal agencies with an opportunity to comment on proposed collections of information, in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. This program helps to ensure that requested data can be provided in the desired format, reporting burden (time and financial resources) is minimized, collection instruments are clearly understood, and the impact of collection requirements on respondents can be properly assessed. The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) is soliciting comments on the information collection titled "Rock Burst Control Plan (Pertains to Underground Metal/Nonmetal Mines)."