The program, available at www.msha.gov/POV/POVsinglesource.asp, allows operators, miners and the public to determine how a mine matches up with federal POV criteria. The system uses the most recent data available and will be refreshed monthly.

MSHA said the self-monitoring tool was developed based on feedback it had received from the industry as well as recommendations in a POV audit report received last September from the Labor Department’s Office of Inspector General.

The 2010 audit reviewed the agency’s policy, criteria, regulations and information systems to determine a level of reliability and effectiveness regarding the identification and sanctioning of persistent violators of the law.

“We are making the process more transparent,” assistant secretary of labor for mine safety and health Joseph Main said.

“We have worked hard to improve the pattern of violations process, and I am confident we have developed a tool to better serve the mining community. This self-monitoring tool will be an extremely effective way for mine operators to continuously track their compliance history and make the changes necessary to ultimately keep miners safe and healthy.”

MSHA noted that it used two sets of criteria under its 30 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 104.2, for initial screenings. Operations meeting either set would be further considered for exhibiting potential POV.

The federal criteria used can be viewed at www.msha.gov/POV/POVScreeningCriteria2010.pdf.