When will the new mining safety rules proposed by Gov. Manchin and passed by the state Legislature take effect?
The West Virginia Office of Miners Health, Safety and Training is working directly with the Governors Office and the Legislature to determine the specifics of the new mining laws, which were unanimously passed on Jan. 23, 2006 and signed into law on Jan. 26, 2006. The new law, which is summarized just below, is set to become effective by March 1, 2006. Our office is working with mine operators and safety equipment suppliers to determine the best way to implement the new rules. Senate Bill 247 will make underground mining safer by requiring rapid response to mine accidents, electronic tracking equipment on miners working underground, and additional portable air stations/supplies in underground mines. On Feb. 1, 2006, Gov. Manchin announced that Huntington attorney Menis E. Ketchum has agreed to serve as a volunteer legal advisor to the West Virginia Office of Miners Health, Safety and Training as it reviews and implements new mine safety regulations. In his unpaid voluntary legal adviso
