Labor & Employment

Marfork Coal petitions MSHA for safety standard modifications

MSHA published a notice of a petition for modification filed by Marfork Coal Company, LLC requesting a variance from 30 CFR 75.500(d) to permit use of a 3M Versaflow TR-800-HIK Intrinsically Safe Powered Air Purifying Respirator motor/blower and battery at the Glen Alum Tunnel Mine in West Virginia. The petition claims no battery-powered respirators currently meet MSHA permissibility standards for use in potentially explosive underground atmospheres. MSHA is soliciting public comments on the petition by May 4, 2026.

Petition for Modification - Fan Testing Requirements at Prairie Eagle Underground Mine

MSHA published a notice seeking public comments on a petition for modification filed by Knight Hawk Coal, LLC regarding 30 CFR 75.312(c) fan testing requirements. The petitioner seeks to test the automatic fan signal device at Prairie Eagle Underground Mine (MSHA ID No. 11-03147) every 31 days without stopping the fan. Comments must be submitted by May 4, 2026.

Mountain Coal Company Modification Petition for Trailing Cable Requirements

MSHA published a notice seeking public comment on a petition for modification from Mountain Coal Company, LLC regarding trailing cable requirements at the West Elk Mine in Colorado. The petitioner requests authorization to use 1,100 feet of No. 2 AWG G-GC trailing cable for shuttle cars and mobile roof bolters operating at 995 volts AC. Comments must be submitted by May 4, 2026.

Knight Hawk Coal Petition - MSHA Safety Standards Modification Request

MSHA published a petition from Knight Hawk Coal requesting modification of existing mandatory safety standards under 30 CFR. The petition is open for public comment through May 4, 2026. This is a standard petition process allowing mine operators to request alternative compliance methods when strict standard application would cause undue hardship.

Petition for Modification of Application of Existing Mandatory Safety Standards

MSHA published a petition filed by Marfork Coal requesting modification of existing mandatory safety standards applicable to mining operations. The petition seeks to alter how current safety requirements apply to the company's specific mining conditions. MSHA is soliciting public comments on this petition, with the comment period closing on May 4, 2026.

Marfork Coal Company Petition for Safety Standards Modification

The Mine Safety and Health Administration published a petition filed by Marfork Coal Company seeking modification of existing mandatory safety standards. The petition is open for public comment until May 4, 2026. This is a routine administrative filing under MSHA's petition process.

Petition for Modification of Safety Standards - Marfork Coal Company

MSHA published a petition filed by Marfork Coal Company requesting modification of existing mandatory safety standards. The petition seeks an alternative method or procedure for compliance with specific safety requirements at a mine operation. The notice opens a 31-day public comment period closing May 4, 2026.

Prohibited Transaction Exemption 1992-6: Sale of Life Insurance by Employee Benefit Plans

The Department of Labor has published a Federal Register notice seeking public comments on information collection requirements related to Prohibited Transaction Class Exemption (PTE) 1992-6, which permits employee benefit plans to sell individual life insurance or annuity contracts. The notice is part of the OMB review process required under the Paperwork Reduction Act. Comments must be submitted by May 4, 2026.

Affirmative Decisions on MSHA Modification Petitions Granted

MSHA published a notice announcing affirmative decisions on petitions for modification submitted by mining operations. The decisions grant modifications to existing safety standards for specific mine sites. This is a routine administrative action with no new compliance requirements imposed on the mining industry.

Employee Benefit Plan Claims Procedure Under ERISA - OMB Information Collection Comment Request

The Department of Labor has submitted an information collection request to OMB regarding Employee Benefit Plan Claims Procedure under ERISA. The notice requests public comments on the burden hours and information requirements for ERISA-covered employee benefit plans. Comments are due by May 4, 2026.