On Tuesday, the Mine Safety and Health Administration announced a series of stakeholder meetings in August and September to discuss its pending request for information on “powered haulage” equipment. Given concerns that the RFI could lead to further rulemaking, many in industry are sure to take interest.

The RFI covers significant aspects of both underground and surface mines in both coal and metal/non-metal. It applies to various conveyors and mobile equipment, including front-end loaders of all sizes and LHD’s; gators, vans, service trucks, and skid steers; haul trucks of all types, from 40 to 400 tons. Assistant Secretary of Labor David Zatezalo has often expressed his concerns about accidents with such equipment. Read more on the RFI in our post from last month here.

The schedule for stakeholder meetings includes in-person events around the country, as well as at least one webinar for online participation. At the meetings, MSHA says it will accept data from stakeholders on “technology and practices that can improve safety conditions for miners.” The agency will also “provide technical assistance and develop best practices and training materials to raise awareness of hazards related to mobile equipment and belt conveyors.”

The meeting dates and locations are as follows:

Husch Blackwell’s Mining Coalition is following developments with this rule for its members. For more information, please contact Avi Meyerstein or Brian Hendrix.