Unanimous vote signals bipartisan support for safety initiative

Contact: Mark York 502-564-3350

FRANKFORT, Ky. (March 8, 2006) – Governor Ernie Fletcher praised Kentucky House members for the unanimous passage today of a mine substance abuse bill. House Bill 572, sponsored by Rep. Robin Webb (D-Grayson), now moves to the state Senate following the 98-0 vote.

“I congratulate the members of the House for their bipartisan support for this critical mine safety legislation,” Governor Fletcher said. “Miners impaired by drugs or alcohol are threats to the safety and well-being of themselves and other miners working around them. I especially want to commend Rep. Webb for her leadership role in this important issue.”

The legislation requires testing for miners before certification, proving they are drug- and alcohol-free prior to the exam. Mining companies could be eligible for a credit on workers’ compensation insurance premiums through drug-free workplace programs, including employee assistance programs. The credit is at least 5 percent unless the state Office of Insurance determines 5 percent is actuarially unsound.

“There are a lot of things that can affect the human condition inside a mine that cannot be controlled,” Rep. Webb said. “But drug and alcohol impairment should not affect the human condition. Miners impaired by drugs or alcohol are a threat to the safe working environment inside the mine.”

The legislation also allows the state Office of Mine Safety and Licensing to require testing of certified persons following a mining accident in which serious injury or loss of life occurs. The agency can also test miners working in the immediate area of the accident, or who may have reasonably contributed to or witnessed the accident.