HB 5002
In cases of mine rescues, designate miners as first responders
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Sign in to take action- Introduced
- Passed House of Delegates
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill aims to recognize and prepare mine workers to respond to emergencies. It requires coal operators to designate specific miners within their crews as ‘first responders’ and provide them with specialized training in fire prevention, detection, fighting, emergency evacuation, and communication. These responders will also work alongside existing mine rescue teams to ensure a coordinated response to incidents.
Key provisions
- Designates miners as ‘first responders’ within coal mine crews.
- Requires training for these first responders in fire prevention, detection, and fighting.
- Mandates training in emergency mine evacuation, communication, and ventilation system operation.
- Requires operators to develop and submit comprehensive mine safety programs to the director.
- Establishes a process for miners to review and comment on proposed safety programs.
- Sets a timeline for operators to implement and submit these programs.
- Provides for penalties, including fines and imprisonment, for violations of the bill’s requirements.
- Allows for annual review of safety programs following serious accidents or repeated safety violations.
Who is affected
- Coal miners
- Coal mine operators
- West Virginia residents
- Mine rescue teams
- The Office of Miners’ Health, Safety and Training
Notable changes
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