The U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (OWCP) announced changes to the self-insurance process for coal mine operators that it says will better support the Black Lung Disability Trust Fund.
The Black Lung Benefits Act requires each coal mine operator to secure the payment of its potential benefits liability by either qualifying as a self-insurer or by purchasing and maintaining a commercial insurance contract. OWCP is responsible for authorizing coal mine operators to self-insure and setting the appropriate security amounts. Securing benefits liability protects the Trust Fund, which pays benefits when operators fail to make payments due to bankruptcy or other reasons.