In our opinion: Drop in mine deaths a start
In the aftermath of the Crandall Canyon mine disaster, Richard Stickler, the acting head of the federal Mine Safety and Health Administration, became a familiar face to Utahns.
As the nation's chief mining regulator, it was abundantly clear that Stickler took a deep, personal interest in mining safety. When nine men died in the Crandall Canyon Mine in 2007, he grieved and prayed with the families. Stickler, who has worked in underground mines as a miner and inspector, vowed to find the cause of the cave-ins that killed six miners and three other men who attempted to rescue them. He kept his word.
So it is no surprise that Stickler wasn't satisfied that mining deaths in the United States in 2008 were at their lowest level since regulators began keeping records. Fifty-one miners perished last year — 29 in coal mines and the rest in copper, stone and other kinds of mines. As Stickler told The Associated Press, "That is unacceptable and disheartening."
True. But the number represents a significant decrease in mining-related deaths from 2006, when 73 miners were killed, and 2007, when 67 died, among them the Crandall Canyon miners. MSHA officials said the sharp reduction in fatalities was due to revamped safety laws and stepped-up enforcement. MSHA added 360 mine inspectors and paid $10 million in overtime to complete mandatory safety reviews at all of the nation's coal mines in 2008. This was the first time in the agency's 31-year history that the required inspections were done within a year.
But, as Stickler laments, there is always room for improvement. United Mine Workers of America officials say while mining deaths in 2008 were down overall, the number of coal-mining deaths in 2008 was higher than the record low, 23 deaths in 2005.
Mining is inherently risky. But strong regulations, enforcement and a company's commitment to safety can help curb risks and improve a company's bottom line. Further reduction of mining deaths should be a priority for the Obama administration. The men and women who labor in the nation's mining industry should work under the safest conditions possible. That will require an ongoing commitment to mine inspections and regulations that enhance the safety of the nation's mining industry.
Recent comments
Stickler was a part of the foxes guarding the hen house gang. The...
Displeased | Jan. 12, 2009 at 9:26 p.m.
With the high risk of driving I bet more traveling salesmen die a...
Frank | Jan. 12, 2009 at 1:33 p.m.
The nation needs to combat unchallenged big business anti labor by...
Mike | Jan. 12, 2009 at 11:58 a.m.
- Festival of Trees includes roadster 2:14 a.m.
- Getting serious about seat belts 1:15 a.m.
- Witness describes '99 killing 1:15 a.m.
- Police increase presence at Skyline 1:14 a.m.
- Cougars cruise past Southern 1:03 a.m.
- Utes fall to Seattle U. at home 1:01 a.m.
- Utah celebrates Real Salt Lake Day 12:59 a.m.
- Y. focused on 10-win season 12:54 a.m.
- Thunder rolls by Jazz 12:49 a.m.
- Sloan remembers Abe Pollin 12:47 a.m.
- Utah, BYU are top choices for bowls
- BYU would like friendlier rivalry
- Protests against Phoenix LDS temple
- KSL: Prostitution in Utah County
- Best prep football games of 2009
- Man trapped in own body for 23 yrs
- Kirilenko climbing blocks list
- Witness describes '99 killing
- Boys basketball rankings
- 'Dancing' will fill out finale
- BYU would like friendlier rivalry
232 - Glenn Beck to enter politics?
224 - RSL wins MLS Cup on penalty kicks
202 - Protests against Phoenix LDS temple
189 - Bronco, Kyle rubber match
137 - BYU records with win
133 - Letters: Rushing to judge Palin
122 - Hall, Johnson matchup key
102 - 4A: Timpview wins 4th in 4 years
93 - Cougars turn focus to dreaded rivals
90
Maya was wronged. The trophy was stolen. The judges had to give him a 30 so...
Go Coug's I'll be there at LES and I expect a great finsh from Max Pitta and Co.
At least he won't be a stupid Junior. Has anyone played worse in the rivalry...
I was hoping they would win, but the were up against a lot of great talent....
I agree completely with your comments about Jay Leno. He goes way to far and...
I, too, think Mr. Gale does a great job with his articles. His...
We should drill more and lower the price globally for oil. Fine build nuclear...
No I don't own a poster of shirtless Jacob - but there is a huge difference...
Gary, What nonsense! Specify the emails that "prove" deception. You...
if you guys don't think soccer is a sport? then what do you consider a sport?...


