Labor & Employment

Mine Safety Modification Decisions

MSHA published a notice listing petitions for modification of mandatory mine safety standards that were granted between July 1, 2025, and December 31, 2025. The notice covers three granted petitions involving 3M Company (Corona Plant, California) and Mach Mining LLC (Mach #1 Mine, Illinois). The affected regulations include 30 CFR 56.13020 (compressed air) and 30 CFR 75.500(d) and 75.507-1(a) (electrical equipment standards).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Petition for Modification of Application of Existing Mandatory Safety Standards

The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) has published a petition filed by Kepler Processing requesting modification of existing mandatory safety standards. The petition, published on April 3, 2026, seeks alternative means of compliance with current mining safety requirements. MSHA is soliciting public comments on this petition, with the comment period closing on May 4, 2026.

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.

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.

Mountain Coal Company petitions MSHA for safety standards modification

The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) published a notice that Mountain Coal Company has petitioned for modification of existing mandatory safety standards under 30 CFR. The petition seeks alternative methods of compliance with current safety requirements applicable to mining operations. MSHA is soliciting public comments on the petition, with the comment period closing 31 days after publication.