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Mine, Workplace Safety Bill Introduced in Congress
Tuesday, we reported that mine and workplace safety legislation with stronger enforcement tools, tougher penalties and broader workers’ rights was set for introduction in Congress in response to recent mine, refinery and other disasters that have claimed the lives of more than 50 workers this year. (Click here for our look at the bill’s provisions.)
Today the bill, The Miner Safety and Health Act of 2010 (H.R. 5663), was officially introduced. While the bill focuses on mine safety, it also includes provisions to strengthen worker safety protections in all workplaces.
Saying “the killing of workers must stop,” and “employers who put workers in danger and who violate the law must be held accountable,” AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka hailed the new legislation.
Too many employers in this country – including Massey Energy and BP– have put profits and production ahead of worker safety and other protections. This legislation will save workers lives. We call on the House and the Senate to stand with the nation’s miners and workers and move immediately to enact this legislation to prevent more unnecessary workplace tragedies and deaths.
We see the consequences of mine operators that game the system in order to push production. Safety is compromised and miners die. Too many families have suffered a great loss recently as the result of callous mine operators, ineffective protections and outdated laws. It is time to provide effective protections to ensure that every miner is be able to return home safely to their families at the end of their shift.
takes a comprehensive approach to improving mine safety by making it far more difficult for rogue operators to evade the law and their responsibility to provide a safe workplace for their employees. In the wake of the Upper Big Branch disaster, enactment of these reforms is urgently needed.
Click here for the full summary. A hearing before the education and lab or Committee is set for July 13.
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2 Comments
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To bad it took a disater like what happened to get a law created.
I believe this bill will finally provide the muscle needed for mine inspectors to do their jobs and protect our miners who, without complaint, leave their families every day to do the work that powers our economy (along with everything else)!
What is missing in all of the reporting is the fact that there are so many coal mines who already DO the right thing. Of course, most of the safest mines are union mines, because the MINERS ARE INVOLVED IN THE SAFETY OF THEIR MINES.
Unlike Don Blankenship, the unsung and silent companies whose safety policies are really followed obey and follow the LAW. Blankenship is an outlaw with a dangerous and deadly ego that has cost lives. Let’s not point the finger at Massey miners at large; let us lay the blame at the feet of Blankensip, whose policies and practices have led to no less than neglegent homicide of Massey hard-working miners.
Back in the old days (70s) before Blankenship, Massey mines did, in fact, practice safety and obey the law. Blankenship and a few selected minions have led miners into thinking that line curtains are merely a picky government reg that doesn’t have to be followed when the inspector is not there. The LEGITIMATE operators really do care about their miners.
IT”S TIME FOR BLANKENSHIP TO GO! He’s bringing down the whole industry for everybody. Let’s educate these miners on the truth!
Not since the early 20th century has there been a time that the unions must resurge and stand up for the rights ALREADY IN THE LAWS. Richard, Cecil: keep fighting!