Labour market · 10/01/1996

Extension of Time for Response to a NIOSH Criteria Document

On November 7, 1995, MSHA received criteria for a recommended standard from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Under the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977, the Secretary of Labor must take one of the following three actions within 60 days of receipt of the NIOSH criteria: (1) Appoint an advisory committee; (2) publish a proposed rule; or (3) publish in the Federal Register his determination not to do so, and his reasons therefor. As a result of the lapse in funding for the U.S. Department of Labor and the partial government shutdown, MSHA has been unable to meet the 60-day statutory deadline for a response.