Miners' Diesel Dust Checks Get Bureaucratic Lifeline

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

Kepler Processing Company wants to change some safety rules at their mine to use a different method that keeps workers just as safe. This petition could affect miners at Kepler’s site and might change how safety checks are done, but won’t cut corners on protection. Everyone has until May 4, 2026, to share their thoughts, and no extra costs are expected from this change.

2026-06512 — Petition for Modification of Application of Existing Mandatory Safety Standards

Marfork Coal Company wants to change some safety rules at their Glen Alum Tunnel Mine. They’re asking to use a different way to keep miners safe that works just as well or better. If approved, this could affect how safety checks are done and might save the company some time or money. Everyone has until May 4, 2026, to share their thoughts on this idea.

2026-06517 — Petition for Modification of Application of Existing Mandatory Safety Standards

Marfork Coal Company wants to change some safety rules at their Glen Alum Tunnel mine. They say their new plan will keep miners just as safe but might be easier or better to follow. If you have thoughts, speak up by May 4, 2026—this could affect how safety rules are applied and might save time or money.

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: 2026-05778 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request; Labor Organization and Auxiliary Reports

The Department of Labor is updating how labor unions report their yearly info and who counts as a minor on certain forms. These changes aim to make reporting easier and clearer for unions and their members. If you’re involved with a labor organization, you can share your thoughts by April 24, 2026, so the rules work better for everyone.

Next: 2026-05780 — Proposed Extension of Information Collection: Application for Waiver of Surface Sanitary Facilities' Requirements (Pertaining to Coal Mines)

The Mine Safety and Health Administration wants to keep collecting info from coal mines that ask to skip certain surface bathroom rules. This helps make sure miners stay safe while cutting down on paperwork hassle. If you’re involved with coal mines, you can share your thoughts by May 26, 2026—no extra costs or big changes, just a smooth extension!