ARLINGTON, Va. - The U.S. Department of Labor's Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) announced Friday eight mine operators have received letters putting them on notice that each has a potential pattern of violations of mandatory health or safety standards under section 104(e) of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977.
The operations represent the first mines to receive such letters under MSHA's enhanced enforcement initiative.
A mine operator that has a potential pattern of recurrent significant and substantial (S&S) violations at a mine will receive written notification from MSHA. An S&S violation is one which could reasonably be expected to lead to a serious injury or illness.
MSHA will closely monitor the affected mine's compliance record during the ensuing 90 days.