http://wkyufm.org en http://wkyufm.org/post/msha-making-progress-internal-changes <P>An audit of the Mine Safety and Health Administration shows it's implemented more than half the 100 internal changes recommended after a 2010 explosion killed 29 West Virginia coal miners.</P> <P>The Department of Labor's Office of Inspector General says MSHA's efforts to address its own shortcomings began well before an internal review report was released in March of 2012.</P> <P>Barring unforeseen circumstances, it says MSHA is on track to implement the remaining 44 changes as expected. It says MSHA administrators meet weekly and at the highest levels to keep on the timeline. Wed, 03 Apr 2013 14:52:03 +0000 Joe Corcoran 28899 at http://wkyufm.org http://wkyufm.org/post/new-federal-rules-aim-improve-conditions-dangerous-coal-mines <p></p><p>The U.S. Department of Labor has approved new rules it says will improve safety at the nation's most dangerous coal mines by revising the way operators are designated pattern violators.</p><p>Labor Secretary Hilda Solis said they improve the Mine Safety and Health Administration's ability to hold mine operators accountable for disregarding life saving safety measures. MSHA chief Joe Main says they're long overdue and could prevent 1,800 injuries over ten years.</p><p>The changes were proposed after the Upper Big Branch mine exploded in April 2010, killing 29 men. Fri, 18 Jan 2013 12:52:46 +0000 Associated Press 25061 at http://wkyufm.org New Federal Rules Aim to Improve Conditions at Dangerous Coal Mines