Secretary of Labor, Mine Safety and Health Administration, (MSHA) v. Banner Blue Coal Company, Docket Nos. VA 2011-367 and VA 2011-368 (March 12, 2010)

The Secretary of the Labor, Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) issued two citations pursuant to 30 C.F.R. Section 75.512 requiring electrical equipment to be frequently examined, tested, and properly maintained. The citations alleged that the locking mechanism on our client’s electrical power source was not functioning properly. An ALJ upheld the violation, but vacated the “significant and substantial” designations attached to the violations. Additionally, the ALJ vacated a third citation issued pursuant to 30 C.F.R. Section 75.503 requiring electrical face equipment to be maintained in permissible condition. The ALJ asserted that the citation lacked validity.