2022-18866. Hearing Health and Safety

AGENCY:

Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission.

ACTION:

Notice.

SUMMARY:

Beginning on January 3, 3022, the Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission (the “Commission” or “FMSHRC”) resumed in-person hearings in the manner described in an Order dated December 3, 2021, appearing in the Federal Register on December 9, 2021, and posted on the Commission's website ( www.fmshrc.gov). On July 11, 2022, Commission Chief Administrative Law Judge Glynn F. Voisin issued an order, which modified the December 3 Order. On August 26, 2022, the Chief Judge issued an order further modifying the July 11 order. The August 26 Order is posted on the Commission's website and contains hyperlinks not included within this notice.

DATES:

Applicable: August 26, 2022.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Sarah Stewart, Deputy General Counsel, Office of the General Counsel, Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission, at [phone].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission Administrative Law Judges are committed to a high standard to protect the health and safety of all persons who may appear before them, during the Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, while continuing the agency's mission. As of January 3, 2022, the Commission resumed in-person hearings as described in an order dated December 3, 2021. On July 11, 2022, the Chief Judge issued an order modifying the December 3 order. On August 26, 2022, the Chief Judge issued an order further modifying the July 11 order. The contents of the August 26 order are set forth in this notice, and for the duration of the August 26 order, all hearings are subject to its terms.

Commission Judges may, at their sole discretion, hold remote hearings ( e.g., via Zoom) and in-person hearings. Judges also have the discretion to hold a hybrid hearing, that includes both in-person and video participation. Commission Judges shall exercise this discretion within uniform parameters as set forth herein. Each Judge shall determine (1) when to use remote hearings in lieu of in-person hearings and (2) specific safety procedures to be used at a hybrid or in-person hearing.

In determining the type of hearing, Judges will consider current guidance and safety factors on a case-by-case basis. Judges will ensure all parties appearing pro se who are required to participate in a remote hearing have access to equipment, an internet connection, and other appropriate technology. Prior to conducting an in-person hearing, Judges will schedule a conference call with the attorneys and representatives of each of the parties to discuss, among other things, safety considerations for the in-person hearing. Persons who are not comfortable with travel or appearing in person, may request to attend the hearing via remote access ( e.g., via Zoom). Judges may discuss the agency's workplace safety plan that outlines travel guidelines, protocols, and safety measures in conjunction with the CDC Community Levels.

The Judge will set a hearing location after considering CDC Community Levels using the CDC COVID Data Tracker and the safety and health rules currently in place by the state and local public health entities. Where community levels are HIGH, Judges are discouraged from setting in-person hearings. If in-person participants are traveling to attend a hearing, the community levels of where they are traveling from need to be taken into account as well. In choosing a courtroom, the Judge will take into consideration the rules and requirements of the court or hearing facility, as well as all applicable federal, state, and local regulations and guidelines. If the hearing is to be a hybrid hearing, the Judge will also consider the availability of internet and technology needs in the courtroom.

During the prehearing conference, the Judge will consider federal, state, local and courtroom requirements and inform the parties of such requirements. The requirements apply to all persons attending the in-person hearing. The discussion will also address who may enter the courtroom, when, and what safety measures, such as masks and physical distancing, must be implemented. No person may enter the courtroom, or the witness room without the permission of the Judge.

In addition to any federal, state, local and facility safety and health rules, all persons attending in-person hearings are also subject to the below requirements:

• FMSHRC employees:

○ All FMSHRC employees must adhere to the agency's workplace safety plan, diagnostic testing policy, and CDC guidance on physical distancing, mask wearing, isolation in the event of symptoms or a positive test result, and official travel requirements.

• Visitors, Contractors, Non-government Parties, Representatives and Witnesses:

○ Contractors, for purposes of this order, are defined as individuals who have been contracted by FMSHRC to attend an in-person hearing for a specific purpose ( e.g., a court reporter creating a transcript).

○ Visitors, Contractors, Non-government Parties, Representatives and Witnesses who attend an in-person hearing must adhere to the agency's workplace safety plan and CDC guidance on physical distancing, mask wearing, and isolation in the event of symptoms or a positive test result. When CDC Community Levels are MEDIUM or HIGH, the same individuals must complete the COVID-19 Symptom Screening Tool form before entering a facility where an in-person hearing will be held.

The Judge may consider all factors, in totality, in determining if a remote hearing will be held and who may be present for the hearing. No single factor is dispositive.

These procedures shall remain in place until the August 26 order is vacated or otherwise modified by subsequent order.

(Authority: 30 U.S.C. 823; 29 CFR part 2700)

Dated: August 26, 2022.

Sarah L. Stewart,

Deputy General Counsel, Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission.