Advance Notification Still a Problem, MSHA Says

MSHA reports that despite increased enforcement efforts, some mine operators still give their employees advance notice of when federal inspectors are coming for an inspection. This is in violation of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977. Although the agency has been able to detect some instances of this advance notice, MSHA still sees it as a serious problem within the industry.

"Providing advance notice of an inspection is illegal," says MSHA's Joseph Main. "It can obscure actual mining conditions by giving mine employees the opportunity to alter working conditions, thereby inhibiting the effectiveness of MSHA inspections. Furthermore, it appears that current penalties are not sufficient to deter this type of conduct."

MSHA reports this illegal advanced notice played a part in the Upper Big Branch Mine disaster, and although the illegal actions were highlighted in the investigation, the advance notice practice still occurs too often. "Upper Big Branch is a tragic reminder that operators and miners alike need to understand advance notice can prevent inspectors from finding hazards that can claim miners' lives," says Main.