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The Mine Safety and Health Administration will implement an
action plan for employees who do not meet the agency's medical
standards.
As a condition of employment, MSHA inspectors and technical
personnel must undergo periodic medical examinations, including
vision and hearing tests, and meet medical standards set by the
Office of Personnel Management (OPM).
A review of exam results, according to MSHA, shows that about 15
percent to 20 percent of MSHA inspectors and technical personnel do
not meet OPM medical standards. "[T]he problem had been
growing over the past several years," MSHA acknowledged.
MSHA said the Department of Labor is taking "immediate
action" to develop an "effective, consistent, and
equitable plan" to resolve the issue. As part of the plan,
MSHA will put in place "an individualized assessment
process" for employees who do not meet medical standards,
including requirements for reasonable accommodation, quick
resolution of issues, and consistent and fair implementation.
The agency noted, "MSHA will be transparent throughout this
process, while being mindful of employees' privacy concerns.
MSHA will work with stakeholders, including the employees'
union, and keep them informed."
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