United Mine Workers of America Sue Alabama Over Mine Safety

By Merylee Robbins

Published on January 13, 2006

UMWA leaders and miners allege that there are not enough mine inspectors to properly ensure the health and safety of Alabama miners. In addition to being short staffed, the miners and the UMWA also claim that inspections are not as thorough as they should be. Ideally, mines should be inspected a minimum of every 45 days to prevent catastrophic accidents such as roof collapses, coal dust and natural gas explosions, and poisonous gas exposure. Some mines may even require a more rigorous inspection schedule.

The lawsuit names Alabama Governor Bob Riley and the Alabama Department of Industrial Relations as defendants and states that they have a responsibility to see that the mines are inspected as often as is required by law. Michael Skates, director of mining and reclamation at the state Department of Industrial Relations, says that, like many other government agencies, they are understaffed. He would not discuss whether the shortage of inspectors directly affects the safety of miners.

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