Solis puts coal companies on notice [View All]

[cal04]

http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/120921-solis-puts-coal-companies-on-notice

Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis this week warned the mining lobby that worker safety is the industry's responsibility — and the White House won't tolerate offenders.

"The law is clear," Solis told the executive board of the National Mining Association, an industry lobbying group. "Mine operators are ultimately responsible for the safety and health of everyone working in a mine. Period.

"We will not tolerate mines that cut corners on safety, put miners at risk, pay their fines, and view it as a cost of doing business," the California Democrat added.

Solis was quick to note that many mine operators make worker safety the highest priority. For the others, she warned, "you need to change the way you approach mine safety — and you need to make those changes now."