Question

Answer the questions at the end of the Case Study, "The Upper Big Branch Mine Disaster",

What steps could be taken now to reduce the chances of a similar tragedy occurring in the future? In your answer, please address the appropriate roles of mining companies (and their directors and managers), government regulators and policymakers, and the workers and their union in assuring mine safety.

Answer 1

In reverse order, the unions had nothing to do with this case because Massey management eliminated union miner at the UBB. Policymakers should enact legislation that if a piece of mining equipment is found inoperable or in an unsafe condition, then government regulators should be able to demand that the equipment be taken offline for repairs. Regulators and MSHA inspectors should be as diligent as possible in looking for signs of unsafe conditions at mining operations. Mining management groups need to show that the S-1, P-2 philosophy is not just abunch of words, but an actual policy that could be organized in an operations and maintenance. It keep the mine and its equipment safe.