By Dan Modlin
Frankfort, KY – The Kentucky House approved Senate Bill 37 by
a unanimous vote. The legislation is designed to
make coal mines safer places to work by updating
standards for electrical safety.
The bill was sponsored in the Senate by Senator
David Boswell of Owensboro. It includes new
requirements that power circuits and electrical
equipment in mines must be shut off before they
are worked on. In addition, insulation would be
required around suspended cables.
Representative Brent Yonts of Greenville says
electrical problems are the second leading cause
of death among miners in Kentucky. He says
the legislation, "brings us into the 21st century
when it comes to mine safety."
The bill now goes to the Governor.