The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) recently proposed new requirements that set uniform drug and alcohol standard for all mines.  This is to address the concern that current regulations in mine safety are not enough to account for the dangers of substance abuse among miners.  The new requirements not only establish requirements for coal mines, they also amend existing standards for metal and nonmetal mines.

Substance Abuse Statistics

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, among full-time excavation, trade, and construction workers, 15.1 percent tested positive for illicit drug use and 17.8 percent for heavy alcohol use.  This group, which includes miners, involves workers aged between 18 and 64.

What concerns MSHA is not just the existence of substance abuse among miners, but also the hazards it poses on the already dangerous mining environment.  “Miners, both surface and underground, operate expensive and dangerous equipment on a routine basis and the use of drugs or alcohol can severely impact an individual’s judgment and put co-workers and equipment at risk,” said one mining company.

New Requirements

The proposal prohibits the possession and use of drugs and/or alcohol on mine property.  Exceptions are given to miners who need prescription medications.

The proposed rules also require:

• mine operators to create and implement a drug- and alcohol-free workplace program
• mine operators to provide miners with drug testing and training programs
• the removal of miners from “safety-sensitive job functions” if they’re found to be violating the prohibitions.  They could only go back to performing such tasks if they complete the recommended treatment and are found to be drug- and alcohol-free by a return-to-duty test.

Related Links:

Top 10 OSHA Fines for Small Companies

Top 7 Tips on Using the 2006 Census to Improve Workplace Safety
Proper Management of Hazardous Chemicals: Plan and Training for Workers