Labor & Employment Law

Mine, Workplace Safety Bill Introduced in Congress

By Mike Hall

Tuesday, we reported that mine and workplace safety legislation with stronger enforcement tools, tougher penalties and broader workers? rights was set for introduction in  Congress in response to recent mine, refinery and other disasters that have claimed the lives of more than 50 workers this year. (Click here for our look at the bill?s provisions.)

Today the bill, The Miner Safety and Health Act of 2010 (H.R. 5663), was officially introduced.  While the bill focuses on mine safety, it also includes provisions to strengthen worker safety protections in all workplaces.

Saying “the killing of workers must stop,” and “employers who put workers in danger and who violate the law must be held accountable,” AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka hailed the new legislation.

Too many employers in this country ? including Massey Energy and BP– have put profits and production ahead of worker safety and other protections. This legislation will save workers lives. We call on the House and the Senate to stand with the nation?s miners and workers and move immediately to enact this legislation to prevent more unnecessary workplace tragedies and deaths.

We see the consequences of mine operators that game the system in order to push production. Safety is compromised and miners die. Too many families have suffered a great loss recently as the result of callous mine operators, ineffective protections and outdated laws. It is time to provide effective protections to ensure that every miner is be able to return home safely to their families at the end of their shift.

takes a comprehensive approach to improving mine safety by making it far more difficult for rogue operators to evade the law and their responsibility to provide a safe workplace for their employees. In the wake of the Upper Big Branch disaster, enactment of these reforms is urgently needed.

Click here for the full summary. A hearing before the education and lab or Committee is set for July 13.

Full post as published by AFL-CIO NOW BLOG on July 01, 2010 (boomark / email).