Expected new silica dust regulations in mines could combat the rise of black lung disease. However, the effects of an ongoing federal silica enforcement initiative remain unclear.
Blog Archives
Regulators Poised to Update Miners’ Protections from Silica Dust
TAGS: black lung disease coal miners Mine Safety and Health Administration National Black Lung Association silica dust
CDC shares new research: For miners, death rate from lung disease is higher than ever before
On Monday, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shared a new study that sounds a clear alarm bell to leaders across the country about the dire need for a renewed focus on safeguarding the health of coal miners across the country.
Permanent extension of black lung excise tax gives miners peace of mind
Miners with black lung and their advocates scored a huge victory in the recently signed Inflation Reduction Act, which permanently extended the black lung excise tax that supports the Black Lung Disability Trust Fund.
TAGS: Black Lung Black Lung Benefits Improvement Act Black Lung Disability Trust Fund black lung excise tax Inflation Reduction Act National Black Lung Association Relief for Survivors of Miners Act silica dust
Confronting Rising Black Lung
Amid an ongoing surge in severe black lung disease among coal miners, federal lawmakers have introduced a number of bills aimed at assisting affected miners and their families. The Inflation Reduction Act shored up funding for benefits, and advocates are pushing for additional measures.
Statement on MSHA enforcement initiative aimed at reducing miners’ overexposure to respirable silica
CONTACT: Dan Radmacher, (540) 798-6683), dan@appvoices.org Yesterday, the U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) announced a new enforcement initiative to better protect miners from exposure to dangerous levels of respirable silica dust on the job while the agency continues…
Tighter silica rules needed to protect miners from black lung disease
Coal miners are legally allowed to be exposed to twice as much dangerous silica dust as any other worker. That needs to change.
TAGS: black lung association Black Lung Disability Trust Fund black lung disease coal dust Mine Safety and Health Administration MSHA silica dust
Black Lung Healthcare Legislation Sees Progress
Congress temporarily reinstated a tax on coal companies that funds black lung benefits for miners and their families in December. Advocates continue to push for further protections for coal workers.
