Federal Judge Orders Reinstatement of 200 Coal Miner Health Workers

A federal judge has ordered the reinstatement of nearly 200 workers at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) who screen coal miners for black lung disease, reversing layoffs initiated as part of a broader government reorganization. The ruling, issued by U.S. District Judge Irene Berger, mandates the full restoration of the Coal Workers Health Surveillance Program, which is required by federal law to provide health screenings and protections for miners. The layoffs, initially implemented under President Trump's administration, would have left thousands of miners without access to critical health monitoring and the ability to transfer to less hazardous jobs if diagnosed with black lung. The decision follows public pressure from lawmakers and advocacy from affected miners, highlighting a recent spike in black lung cases, especially in Central Appalachia. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. confirmed the reinstatement of over 300 NIOSH employees, ensuring no interruption in services. The move was widely seen as essential to safeguarding miner health and upholding congressionally mandated protections.