Despite Massey disaster, 9 miners have died in last 6 months

The Washington Post reported recently that, despite a crackdown on mine safety violations, nine miners have died in U.S. mines in the six months since the Upper Big Branch disaster claimed the lives of 29 miners in April.

Federal regulators have increased inspections at 89 mines with poor safety records and exercised their power to shut down mines until problems are resolved. Yet five men were killed by heavy machinery and four by falling rock.

According to the article, a backlogged appeals system and lack of penalties for repeat offenders have hampered enforcement efforts.

Read the full article here.