Coal Miners' Health Exams Queue Up for Renewal
Published Date: 3/25/2026
Notice
Summary
The Mine Safety and Health Administration wants to keep collecting health check-up info from coal miners to keep them safe and healthy. They’re asking for public feedback by May 26, 2026, to make sure the process is clear and not too much work. This extension won’t add new costs but helps keep important health tracking going strong for miners.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Free periodic health exams for miners
If you work as a coal miner, your employer must provide periodic medical exams at no cost to you. Exams must include chest x-rays, spirometry, symptom assessment, and occupational history at least every 5 years and be available during a 6‑month period that begins no less than 3.5 years and no more than 4.5 years from the end of the previous 6‑month period.
Recordkeeping and plan submission burden
Mine operators must develop and revise medical examination plans, update and submit miner rosters to NIOSH, and post approved plans on mine bulletin boards. MSHA estimates 634 annual respondents, 761 annual responses, an annual time burden of 296 hours, and annual recordkeeping costs of $228.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-06513 — Affirmative Decisions on Petitions for Modification Granted in Whole or in Part
Mine operators and miner reps asked MSHA to approve new ways to keep mines safe between July and December 2025. MSHA reviewed these requests and said yes to some, as long as safety stays top-notch or improves. These changes might affect how mines work but won’t cut corners on safety, and you can check the full details online or in person.
2026-06516 — Petition for Modification of Application of Existing Mandatory Safety Standards
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2026-06517 — Petition for Modification of Application of Existing Mandatory Safety Standards
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2026-06518 — Petition for Modification of Application of Existing Mandatory Safety Standards
Marfork Coal Company asked to change some mine safety rules at their Glen Alum Tunnel mine. They want to use a different way to keep miners safe that works just as well but might be easier or cheaper. Everyone has until May 4, 2026, to share their thoughts before a decision is made.
2026-06519 — Petition for Modification of Application of Existing Mandatory Safety Standards
Mountain Coal Company wants to change some safety rules at their West Elk Mine. They’re asking to use a different way to keep miners safe that works just as well as the current rules. If approved, this could save time and money without risking anyone’s safety. Everyone has until May 4, 2026, to share their thoughts on this petition.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-05775 — Logging Operations Standard; Extension of the Office of Management and Budget's (OMB) Approval of Information Collection (Paperwork) Requirements
OSHA is asking for public feedback to keep the paperwork rules for logging operations going strong. This affects logging companies who must keep certain records to stay safe and legal. Comments are open until May 26, 2026, and there’s no new cost—just a smooth extension of current rules.
Next: 2026-05777 — Proposed Extension of Information Collection: Radiation Sampling and Exposure Records
The Mine Safety and Health Administration wants to keep collecting info about radiation exposure to keep miners safe. They’re asking for public feedback by May 26, 2026, to make sure the paperwork isn’t too much and is easy to understand. This extension won’t add new costs but helps keep important safety checks running smoothly.
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