MSHA Adopts New Conferencing System

{Washington, D.C}...MSHA Director Joe Main announced Thursday he's adopting a new conferencing system that was piloted with mine operators earlier this year in an ongoing attempt to reduce the backlog of contested violations. Main had said in October that both sides liked the pilot program, but he was still evaluating whether it would continue. Starting in January, operators will be able to request a conference regarding a contested citation or order, but only after MSHA proposes a penalty assessment. Main said the new system would help reduce the backlog by resolving disputes before they end up in litigation. It may also help improve overall communication among operators, miners and MSHA.