KRS 351.242: Mine safety analysis program -- Responsibility and powers of mine safety

specialists.

(1) There is hereby created in the department a mine safety analysis program.

(2) Mine safety specialists employed in the department and conducting underground or

surface mine safety analysis shall satisfy the applicable requirements established in

KRS 351.090.

(3) A primary responsibility of the mine safety specialist is to prevent mine accidents

and fatalities by observing and evaluating the work habits of persons involved in the

direct production of coal and to contact, advise, and assist these persons in

correcting their unsafe or potentially hazardous actions.

(4) Each time a mine safety specialist enters a mine to perform mine safety analysis, he

or she shall c onfer with the foreman as to the conditions of the mine and the work

practices of the employees.

(5) The mine safety specialist shall keep mine management, representatives of the

employees, and the commissioner informed about all hazardous conditions and a ll

matters which may improve the safety of mines.

(6) The division shall assist the department in assessing the effectiveness of miner

training programs.

(7) The commissioner shall at his or her discretion assign mine safety specialists to all

mines in the state taking into consideration such factors as the history of accidents

at the mine, experience of the workforce, physical condition of the mine, and size of

the mine.

(8) The commissioner may coordinate the assignment of mine safety specialists with

the appropriate federal authorities to minimize duplication of accident prevention

efforts.

(9) The commissioner shall report annually to the General Assembly and to the

Governor on the effectiveness of the mine safety specialists in improving mine

safety.