Repost ... more 3,000 violations @ the Massey mine (Performance Coal Co.)

[Botany]

Thanx to DUer Adenoid_Hynkel for posting this 1st.

Source: Charleston Daily Mail

CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- Safety inspectors concluded as recently as last month that conditions at Massey Energy Co.'s Upper Big Branch mine posed substantial and significant risks to miner well-being before a Monday explosion killed at least 12 miners and trapped nearly 10.

In March alone, U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration officials cited the mine, which is owned by Massey subsidiary Performance Coal Co., for failing to control dust; improperly planning to ventilate the mine of dust and the combustible gas methane; inadequate protection from roof falls; failing to maintain proper escapeways; and allowing the accumulation of combustible materials.

Since 1995, there have been more than 3,000 violations at Upper Big Branch, though it was not immediately clear how that compared to other mines of its size.

Of the $1.5 million in penalties MSHA proposed since 2007, Massey has actually paid less than $300,000.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.com/News/statenews/201004060029

[Orrex]

1. Funny how you never hear of a mine that's fully in compliance.

And you never hear about a mine owner who's really dedicated to the safety of the workers.

I mean, the story is never "The explosion occurred despite the mine's careful adherence to safety regulations."


I'm sure that such mines and such owners exist out there in small numbers, but...

[Botany]

2. From the article

Company officials did not respond to a message asking about the mine's safety record, but Massey
CEO Don Blankenship said in a statement that the company's "top priority is the safety of our miners
and the well-being of their families."

[madokie]

3. The things you stated is why we don't hear about them

probably they, if they exist that is are union too.

[Fire1]

4. That's because there are no unions. n/t

[OHdem10]

5. Once again the Corporate Media fails the people. For at least the

last 3 Mine Collapses, many of the same issues are breathlessly
reported after the people are dead.

Where was the reporting on safety violation before the Accident??

Now we know that Methane Gas gums up the works in the Mining
Accidents. Will there be one Reporter who stays on this
story to see if the Mine Owners make improvements and do
they find a way to have continuing venting of the Methane
thus avoiding buildups and killing people if an accident
occurs.

Sure Congress will have a hearing. Where is the follow through?

The Media and Congress need to think hard about their loyaties.