Federal bill addresses COVID-19 protections for mine workers

A bipartisan bill recently introduced in the U.S. House provides safety guidelines for mine workers regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.

The COVID-19 Mine Worker Protection Act would require the Department of Labor to create mechanisms to record, report, investigate, and analyze data on COVID-19 among miners; provide miners with the appropriate personal protective equipment; and work with mine operators and employees to formulate a plan to address occupational exposure to the coronavirus.

Mine workers face increased occupational risk to COVID-19 because of working conditions in mines.

“Miners already have tough jobs as it is,” Rep. Matt Cartwright (D-PA), who co-introduced the bill, said. “But now, working in close quarters puts them at risk of contracting COVID-19 and spreading it to their loved ones. In Northeastern Pennsylvania, we know how important it is to support mine workers and ensure they have safe working conditions. This Democrat- and Republican-supported bill would implement responsible safety guidance and deliver personal protective equipment so that miners can go to work, stay healthy and continue putting food on the table during this health crisis.”

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security listed mining as an essential business, but the U.S. Department of Labor and Mine Safety and Health Administration has not issued an emergency standard of practices.