EPCAMR - Head of the US Mine Safety and Health Administration calls for Safer Coal Mining

PIKEVILLE, Ky. (AP) - The acting director of the U-S Mine Safety and Health Administration says more improvements are needed in the coal industry.

In a speech prepared for a group of coal operators, David Dye says "the vast majority" of mining accidents are caused by human error, and miners have to be persuaded not to take risks.

So far this year, 15 coal miners have been killed on the job in the U-S. Kentucky leads the nation with six fatalities. Last year, 28 people died in coal mine accidents nationwide.

Dan Kane, who is the secretary-treasurer of the United Mine Workers of America, says coal operators need to give miners the tools needed to work safely. He also says regulators need to adopt and enforce regulations to keep miners safe.

SOURCE:
Gene Starr
News Director
WPPA-AM/WAVT-FM
P.O. Box 540
Pottsville, PA 17901
(W) 570-622-4440
(F) 570-622-2822
[email protected]