New federal regulations were passed to address a range of problems that surfaced from the Sago Mine disaster that left 12 miners dead.
More safety equipment is required underground, air-tight emergency chambers have been created, better communication devices are being developed and expert teams must respond more quickly in the case on an emergency.
Many of those improved safety measures for trapped miners have been deployed, although some have hit snags along the way. But the explosion at the Upper Big Branch Mine raises a whole new set of issues about preventative measures.
Although the exact cause of the disaster will be the subject of formal reviews and studies for months to come, already it is clear that a build up of methane gas eluded the detectors or the systems that should have alerted miners of the problem.
The result was an explosion that killed 29 coal miners. It’s the worst mining accident since 38 people died in a 1970 explosion in Hyden, Ky.
Already we know that the large Massey Energy mine had a growing history of violations, many concerning ventilating for methane. U.S. Rep. Nick Rahall, D-W.Va., said he has been hearing for months from miners concerned about the methane levels.
Some safety experts contend the rising tide of problems, particularly two violations in January, should have provoked stronger action, although they resulted in some of the largest fines in the mine’s history. ...
The Mine Safety and Health Administration already has appointed a special team of investigators to study the explosion, congressional hearings are planned, and Gov. Joe Manchin also vows to hold hearings as he did with the Sago accident.
‘‘We’ve got to find out some way we can prevent this,’’ the governor said at a conference recently.
Our hearts and prayers go out to the families and friends of the miners who died, but in their memory industry leaders, officials and the public need to prepare for another hard look at mine safety.
This was too high a price to pay.
(Distributed) The Associated Press
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