The statue, “The West Virginia Coal Miner” stands on the capitol grounds, “in honor and in recognition of the men and women who have devoted a career, some a lifetime, towards providing the state, nation, and world with low-cost reliable household and industrial energy.” After several mine tragedies in recent years, the statue’s significance has grown – as has state lawmaker’s continued push for safer mining legislation.
Two years ago this weekend a fire at the Aracoma Alma Mine No. 1 at Melville in Logan County claimed the lives of two miners. This came following the Sago mine disaster which claimed 12 brave miners and was followed by separate accidents in Boone County which claimed two more lives. This caused a “stand-down on mine safety” at West Virginia coal mines until all could be thoroughly inspected. Lawmakers swiftly took action, passing the 2006 mine safety legislation, Senate Bill 247, to address issues raised by these disasters.
Mine safety continues to be an issue of upmost importance during this 2008 Regular Session, as the House of Delegates has already passed House Bill 2020 and sent it to the Senate for its approval. The bill requires mine operators to inform employees of any hazardous chemical substances and lead exposure through warning notices clearly posted in the work area. The bill also specifies that the state Director of the Office of Miner’s Health, Safety and Training must compile the list of hazardous substances and related safety information, as well as set a criminal penalty in case of violation.
