Search Results for keywords:"coal mine operators"

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Search Results: keywords:"coal mine operators"

  • Type:Notice
    Citation:86 FR 1529
    Reading Time:about 3 minutes

    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.

  • Type:Rule
    Citation:89 FR 100304
    Reading Time:about 82 minutes

    The Department of Labor's Office of Workers' Compensation Programs has issued a final rule regarding the Black Lung Benefits Act (BLBA) and the authorization of coal mine operators as self-insurers. This rule updates the process for operators to apply for self-insurance, sets new standards for the amount of security required to self-insure, and clarifies the appeals process. The rule aims to better secure the Trust Fund that pays benefits when operators default, by requiring all self-insured operators to provide security equal to 100% of their projected black lung liabilities. These changes are intended to protect the Trust Fund from financial strain caused by bankruptcies and reduce administrative burdens.

    Simple Explanation

    The Department of Labor has made new rules for coal companies that want to pay their own insurance for workers. They must now promise to cover 100% of possible costs, like piggy banks that are full just in case something goes wrong.