Fines in mining deaths cut back

[Eugene]

Posted 1/10/2006 12:05 AM

Fines in mining deaths cut back

By Thomas Frank, USA TODAY
The nation's coal mines have been required to pay only a fraction of the federal fines
imposed after deadly accidents since 1999, a USA TODAY analysis shows.

The Mine Safety and Health Administration has levied $9.1 million in fines in the past seven years
against companies cited for safety violations following mine fatalities. About 28% of that amount
has been collected, according to data on MSHA's website.

At least $5.2 million in fines has been reduced to $2.5 million on appeal. An additional $2.2 million
in fines is being appealed; about $1 million is listed as delinquent. Proposed fines and fines wiped
out by bankruptcies account for the remainder.

<snip>

Its largest fines were often reduced by judges or through negotiations between the mine operator
and U.S. Labor Department lawyers. That process, critics say, enables mine owners to wriggle
out of severe penalties that are in place to keep workers safe.

<snip>

Full article: http://usatoday.com/news/nation/2006-01-09-mine-fines_x.htm

[acmavm]

1. Well you know, what's the safety of a few poor miners versus the

pocketbook of a rich man matter?

[whatelseisnew]

2. k/r