A coal miner died Friday

[spinbaby]

http://www.wvnstv.com/story/23612540/fatal-accident-at-consol-mine-in-marshall-county

I didn't know him, but others in my family did. Roger was 62, had worked in coal mines for 44 years--the article says 42 years, but his family says he started working in the mines at the age of 18. Roger had a lot of experience in the mine, but did something stupid and got in the way of the chain that slammed into his head. He was going to retire at the end of this month.

More mine inspections probably wouldn't have prevented his accident, but this tragedy does emphasize what a dangerous job miners have--a job that gets more dangerous when companies start to push productivity over safety. Like they might do, for instance, when mine inspectors are furloughed.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/10/07/government-shutdown-2013-miners-killed_n_4059829.html

[Pretzel_Warrior]

1. But at least no Gold Eagles died

Referring sarcastically to people's outsize concern about wind power because some raptors may be killed in the turbine blades, but the same concerned people fail to weigh against the backdrop of coal mining, pollution from coal, and as your post points out...the many miners who have died in accidents or due to black lung and other disease.

[Uncle Joe]

2. Kicked and recommended.

Thanks for the thread, spinbaby.

[hedgehog]

3. Was he working a lot of OT trying to build up his pension?

I used to see that at work - guys ruining their health trying to get their earnings up the last three years to improve their pensions. People do things when they are tired they'd never do if they were rested.

Your friend kept our lights on. We owe him our thanks.

[spinbaby]

7. I couldn't tell you

Like I said, I didn't know him. My husband and a couple of other relatives with connections in the coal industry knew him and went to the funeral last night.

[Le Taz Hot]

4. Federal mine inspectors are currently on fulough.

I know that for a fact as I spoke with one last week who is currently home. I know you said mine inspections wouldn't have prevented this accident but how much shit are mine owners going to get away with now knowing full well that inspectors are not on the job?

[IdaBriggs]

6. Grrr....

So upsetting!!!

[spinbaby]

8. No inspectors

But they did send MSHA investigators out after the accident. They're not getting paid, but they're investigating.

The mine where this accident happened is a Consol mine. Consol has a pretty good reputation in mine country as far as safety goes and won't try to pull any shenanigans with regards to safety. There are other mines, however, where they'll try to get away with anything they can.

[hrmjustin]

5. May he rest in peace.