202 N. 3rd Street, Suite 203 Harrisburg, PA 17101 www.betterwithcoal.com SUGGESTED GUIDELINES FOR COVID-19 PREVENTION, MITIGATION, AND RESPONSE IN THE BITUMINOUS COAL MINING INDUSTRY The Pennsylvania Coal Alliance is providing the following suggested guidelines for COVID-19 prevention, mitigation, and response which are specific to the bituminous coal mining industry in Pennsylvania. PCA recommends any conflicts that arise from these guidelines are resolved by following the guidance issued by the United States Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) or local authorities. Suggested COVID-19 Preventative Measures: − Implement and follow, to the extent operational limitations allow, the CDC’s Interim Guidance for Business and Employers to Plan and Respond to Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) to help prevent workplace exposures in nonhealthcare settings. Guidance can be found at: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019ncov/community/guidance-business-response.html − Implement and follow, to the extent operational limitations allow, directives from Pennsylvania DOH regarding the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) to help prevent workplace exposures. Information from DOH can be found at: https://www.health.pa.gov/topics/disease/coronavirus/Pages/Coronavirus.aspx − Encourage all employees and contractors to self-check (fever, cough or shortness of breath) before entering the mine property. − Employees who have any symptoms, have a household member exhibiting any symptoms, or believe they may have been in close contact (within six feet for a prolonged period of time) with a person who is symptomatic or confirmed COVID-19 are directed to remain home and follow appropriate CDC precautionary steps. The normal call off procedures should be utilized, and the employee should contact HR to discuss issues as to how the absence is to be handled. − Employees who appear to have symptoms (fever, cough, or shortness of breath), or who become sick during a shift, will be immediately separated from other employees or contractors and sent home. − Post a sign/notice at the entrance to mine that mandates no one should enter the property if they have any symptoms or been exposed to someone who has symptoms of COVID-19. − Enhanced sanitizing and disinfecting procedures between shifts, or daily if single shift, of all surface locations including bathhouses, mantrips, elevators, and additional areas that an operator deems necessary, using the EPA “Disinfectants for Use Against SARS-CoV-2” which can be found at : https://www.epa.gov/pesticideregistration/list-n-disinfectants-use-against-sars-cov-2 − Enhanced sanitizing and disinfecting procedures underground to limit cross contamination on equipment controls that are regularly utilized by more than one person (i.e. disinfectant spray available to clean remote operating controls, levers, etc.). In the absence of commercially available cleaning products it may be possible to substitute products such as bleach mixtures. − Implementing procedures to ensure that the same employees are continually working within the same crew to limit potential exposure to larger workforce. − For operations with more than one-shift, utilize a staggered shift start time to allow for enhanced sanitizing/disinfecting surface locations and minimize crossover exposure between shift crews. − Avoid meetings of more than ten employees. If the practice is to have a crew meeting or other assembly before the shift determine if there are other ways to accomplish this. If a meeting is necessary, maintain a social distance of six feet. MSHA/State Inspections and COVID-19 Prevention − MSHA and State inspectors present a potential vector of contagion to a mine because of their inspections of multiple mines. − To the extent possible, isolate the inspector when he/she is traveling in or at the mine. At a surface mine or surface location this may involve traveling in their MSHA/State vehicle behind the company escort. − Evaluate to the extent possible by observations (and questioning) if the inspector exhibits symptoms or has exposure. If you believe they do, request the inspector to leave (or wear a mask). They may refuse and if so, contact the inspector supervisor. − Remind the inspector of maintaining social distance during the inspection (six feet). Suggested Operator Response to an Employee Testing Positive for COVID-19: − For operations with multiple sites consider a temporary idling status or portal closing to limit potential exposure. − After ensuring enhanced sanitization/disinfecting is implemented, consider one skeleton crew at that site from different shifts. − Do not release names of any employees affected (either by exposure or illness) outside of HR unless otherwise instructed. This will avoid noncompliance with HIPPA or ADA. − Consistent with CDC guidance, an employee who has a confirmed case of COVID-19 may discontinue home isolation and return to work under the following three scenarios: − − At least 3 days (72 hours) have passed since the resolution of fever without the use of fever-reducing medications, improvement in respiratory symptoms (e.g., cough, shortness of breath), and at least 7 days have passed since symptoms first appeared. − Resolution of fever without the use of fever-reducing medications, improvement in respiratory symptoms (e.g., cough, shortness of breath), and negative results of an FDA Emergency Use Authorized molecular assay for COVID-19 from at least two consecutive nasopharyngeal swab specimens collected greater than 24 hours apart. − Individuals with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 who have not had any symptoms may discontinue home isolation when at least 7 days have passed since the date of their first positive COVID-19 diagnostic test and have had no subsequent illness. Clarify that all these instructions also apply to contractors. 2