In a message dated 5/12/00 7:07:49 PM, [log in to unmask] writes:
<< (The advent of no-fault compensation in the early
years of the 20th century also eliminated management responsibility for
workplace safety) How many company officials failed to install proper
ventilation systems, how many failed to test for gas, how many failed to
provide proper sanitary facilities, how many failed to ensure proper
timbering, how many failed to reduce the risk of dust and other underground
dangers. These were traditional company responsibilities. How many
companies pressured miners to work in unsafe areas, or refused to pay for
dead time, such as timbering or clearing waste. >>
You ask a lot of questions without having any answers but you missed my point
entirely. There is no good reason for an unsafe act or unsafe condition.
Government and management owes this to its employees. But if the worker
himself does not use the equipment, follow the safety rules for his own
benefit there is something wrong with the program. "Safety pays" of that
there is no doubt and a safe worker is a good worker. On the other hand
companies have made great strides in developing mining equipment, programs
and practices to be accident free only to have the ground prongs cut off,
respirators not used, safety glasses worn around the neck, deadman switch
defeated and lanyards not used. How many times do you hear about a fatal
highway accident where seat belts were present but not worn? How many
miners have been saved by advances in safety equipment and safety practices
initiated by the company? Now there are some good questions with equally
impossible answers.
Mason Coggin
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