Federal Mine Safety Regulator Initiates Silica Enforcement Drive

MSHA, the nation’s mine safety regulator, has unveiled a new enforcement initiative intended to reduce miners’ exposure to breathable silica dust.

“We are committed to using every tool in MSHA’s toolbox to protect miners from developing debilitating and deadly lung diseases that are entirely preventable,” Mine Safety and Health Administration Assistant Secretary Chris Williamson said in a statement Wednesday.

Silica dust, like coal dust, is considered a cause of lung disease among miners. Miners are exposed when silica-laden rock, even in coal mines, is cut and grinded.

As part of the program, MSHA will conduct silica dust-related inspections and expand ...