Proximity Detectors Recommended for West Virginia Mines

A state task force says West Virginia should require underground coal mines to have systems that warn miners when they get too close to machinery.

The Charleston Gazette reports that the West Virginia Mine Safety Technology Task Force voted last week to recommend that the state adopt a rule requiring mines to use proximity detection systems.

The West Virginia Board of Coal Mine Health and Safety is scheduled to consider the recommendation on Thursday.

The proposal was first made in 2008 by a team of inspectors from the state Office of Miners’ Health, Safety and Training. But state officials never acted on it.