Friday, August 27, 2010
MSHA Attempts To Stop Advance Notices
WEST VIRGINIA....
MSHA director Joe Main says mine companies are tipping off underground workers before federal officials make surprise inspections, an illegal practice that has become more prevalent since the April 5th explosion at the UBB Mine.The government has stepped up surprise inspections nationwide, but advance notice gives miners from 10 minutes to more than an hour to hide safety problems. MSHA has turned to more aggressive tactics like commandeering phones as soon as inspectors arrive or driving up in cars the mine company won't immediately recognize, but, some mines post lookouts or install infrared beams that alert them when anyone enters the property. Current law provides for up to a $1,000 fine and imprisonment up to six months for anyone giving advance notice. A mine safety bill working its way through the House would boost the prison term up to five years and raise the fine up to $250,000 for individuals and $500,000 for corporations that knowingly give advance notice.
MSHA director Joe Main says mine companies are tipping off underground workers before federal officials make surprise inspections, an illegal practice that has become more prevalent since the April 5th explosion at the UBB Mine.The government has stepped up surprise inspections nationwide, but advance notice gives miners from 10 minutes to more than an hour to hide safety problems. MSHA has turned to more aggressive tactics like commandeering phones as soon as inspectors arrive or driving up in cars the mine company won't immediately recognize, but, some mines post lookouts or install infrared beams that alert them when anyone enters the property. Current law provides for up to a $1,000 fine and imprisonment up to six months for anyone giving advance notice. A mine safety bill working its way through the House would boost the prison term up to five years and raise the fine up to $250,000 for individuals and $500,000 for corporations that knowingly give advance notice.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 9:34 AM 
