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 With
the dramatic rescue of the 9 miners trapped in a Pennsylvania coal mine, mine
safety has taken front stage with the American public. Generally, mine safety
has been a distant thought of most Americans until now. However, in this case,
the entire nation watched with anticipation, and then rejoice when the miners
were ultimately rescued.
Mine safety in general has been improving each year. From a
high of 90 mine deaths in 1999 to 72 in 2001, the fatality rate is definitely
going in the right direction. If the 2002 fatality rate continues at its current
pace, there will be fewer than 67 fatalities this year. Although this is a
success, it will still mean that 67 families will lose a husband, wife, dad,
mother, brother or sister. This is still to high a price to pay.
In order to continue the downward trend of mine fatalities,
we must realize with success comes complacency. With complacency comes failure.
Now is not the time to lower your guard. With numerous mine properties going for
years without injuries, let alone fatalities, it's easy for operators and miners
to take this for granted. When we believe we are safe, we worry less about being
safe. Keep your safety awareness high and remind your folks that when they think
they're safe....they're likely in more danger.
Congratulations are in order to all of the safe mine
operators, miners and of course MSHA. The efforts by everyone over the years has
made mining one of the safest occupations in the nation. Keep up the good
work and moving in this direction. Your family is counting on you...
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