Two Sets of Books Hid Upper Big Branch Safety Problems (killed 29 miners)

http://blog.aflcio.org/2011/06/29/two-sets-of-books-hid-upper-big-branch-safety-problems/

by Mike Hall, Jun 29, 2011

Massey Energy managers hid serious safety problems at the Upper Big Branch (W.Va.) mine from federal mine safety officials by keeping two sets of records, Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) officials revealed this morning. An April 5, 2010, explosion at the mine killed 29 miners.

The mine’s production log noted issues such as accumulations of coal dust, ventilation problems, equipment malfunctions and other issues, but no mention of those problems was included in the official set of records Massey was required to provide to MSHA inspectors, said Kevin Stricklin, MSHA’s head of coal mine safety at a public briefing this morning.

Failure to control highly explosive coal dust, inadequate ventilation and a longwall coal cutting machine’s faulty water sprayers and worn cutting bits all played a role in the massive explosion that roared through the mine, according to MSHA.

In a video message played this morning and at a special briefing last night for the victims’ families, Labor Secretary Hilda Solis said MSHA’s investigation shows:

The tragedy at Upper Big Branch was preventable. Mine safety is the responsibility of the operator…those responsible must be accountable.

FULL story at link.

Can you imagine him and Bobby Kennedy, Jr. with a class action lawsuit concerning this?

Aren't Massey the assholes who were fighting the miners in the documentary Harlan County Usa?