DOL Adopts Standards for Coal Mine Operators' Self-Insurance

The U.S. Department of Labor on Wednesday announced that its Office of Workers' Compensation Programs issued a final rule revising regulations under the Black Lung Benefits Act related to self-insurance by coal mine operators. "Under the new standard, self-insured coal mine operators will be required to post adequate security for their black lung benefit liabilities," the department said. "It also will protect the Black Lung Disability Trust Fund against assuming the liabilities of bankrupt coal mine operators." The department said operators currently securing their l...