Labor Department News Releases Update

Implementation of the landmark regulation aimed at preventing black lung disease begins on Aug. 1, according to the U.S. Department of Labor's Mine Safety and Health Administration. "Lowering Miners' Exposure to Respirable Coal Mine Dust, Including Continuous Personal Dust Monitors," was released on May 1 and will be phased in over the next two years at all surface and underground coal mining operations. The first phase of the rule continues the department's efforts through its End Black Lung - Act Now! initiative.

In the week ending July 26, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 302,000, an increase of 23,000 from the previous week's revised level. The previous week's level was revised down by 5,000 from 284,000 to 279,000. The 4-week moving average was 297,250, a decrease of 3,500 from the previous week's revised average. This is the lowest level for this average since April 15, 2006 when it was 296,000. The previous week's average was revised down by 1,250 from 302,000 to 300,750.