MSHA to Publish Rule on Proximity Detectors

Federal regulators are publishing a proposed rule this week that would require U.S. underground mines to install equipment which automatically shuts down mobile machinery when people get too close.

The Mine Safety and Health Administration plans to publish the rule on Wednesday, then give the public until Nov. 14 to comment on it prior to implementation.

Public hearings on the proximity detectors rule are scheduled for Oct. 18 in Denver, Oct. 20 in Charleston, W.Va., and Oct. 25 in Washington, Pa.

In U.S. mines, dozens of miners have died in accidents involving mobile heavy equipment since 1984. Six of those deaths came last year.