The Office of Workers' Compensation Programs (OWCP) announced a bulletin titled "DCMWC Self-Insurance Process Guidelines" that outlines updates to their process for evaluating self-insurance applications under the Black Lung Benefits Act. This act requires coal mine operators to either purchase insurance for benefits or get authorization from the Department of Labor to self-insure. The bulletin detailing these updates is open for public comment until February 8, 2021, and interested parties can submit comments through the Federal eRulemaking Portal. OWCP's goal is to ensure that coal operators are financially responsible for benefits, minimizing reliance on the Black Lung Disability Trust Fund.
Simple Explanation
The government wants to make sure that companies that run coal mines have enough money to take care of their workers who might get sick from working there. They can either buy special insurance or get permission to handle the money themselves, and they need to follow new rules to make sure they're doing it right, which people can talk about and give their opinions on.