Records show Massey FAKED safety records in deadly mine; so much for "free market" solutions

[RyanPsych]

BEAVER, W.Va. (AP) - Federal investigators say they have proof that Massey Energy kept fake safety records to throw off inspectors at a West Virginia coal mine where 29 men died last year, the deadliest U.S. coal field disaster in four decades.

In a private briefing June 28, officials with the Mine Safety and Health Administration showed relatives of the Upper Big Branch miners side-by-side comparisons of books that purported to document the same shift. The agency was holding a public news conference on its findings Wednesday.

In one authentic report, Massey recorded that a mining machine was shut down because of problems with ventilation and a potentially explosive accumulation of methane gas. The on-shift inspection report, meanwhile, indicated no problems with gas, said underground miner Bobbie Pauley, whose fiance Howard "Boone" Payne was among the men killed in the April 5, 2010, blast near Montcoal in southern West Virginia.

"You put in an inspection report what you wanted the inspectors to see," Pauley said. "The books, they told two different stories. But I already knew that because I worked there."Massey was bought by Alpha natural Resources this month. Alpha spokesman Ted Pile said Wednesday the company was hearing about the faked reports for the first time.

read more: http://www.peoplesworld.org/feds-show-massey-faked-safety-records-in-deadly-w-va-mine/

This is an excellent counterpoint for conservatives claiming that the "free market" will self-regulate. When big business is so in-humane as to risk lives for a few extra dollars- what makes you think those sociopaths will self-regulate?

[okieinpain]

1. yeah, just let big business run it, better yet run government like

big business.

[RyanPsych]

5. Do you think we'd be outsourced?

If we let Goldman Sachs, do you think we'd all end up living in India because it costs less?

[okieinpain]

12. let me think, how do you outsource your citizens. n/t.

[Uncle Joe]

2. Kicked and recommended.

Thanks for the thread, RyanPsych.

[malaise]

3. K & R

to expose these murderers on poor working folk

[RyanPsych]

7. it is just sickening

the lengths that (already massively profitable) companies will go to make a few extra million. It is shit like this that underscores why we need strong safety regulations (in all industries)

[senseandsensibility]

4. Lots of recs. Very few comments.

Let's keep this kicked.

[uncle ray]

6. no, no, you just don't get it.

Massey had to fake their records and scrimp on safety because of the heavy burden of taxes they are forced to pay. in the free market Massey would have had enough money to gladly run a safe mine as they pillage our resources.

[Peacetrain]

8. i wish I could rec your individual post... you hit that nail right on the head

[RyanPsych]

9. I'm sure they'd like us to think that at least

:tinfoilhat:

[Kurmudgeon]

10. Ok, so when are they going to indict Blankenship and Co on criminally negligent manslaughter?

[RyanPsych]

11. after the revolution

...seriously, that's the only way I can imagine these people and their megamonster corporations (Goldman, AIG, Citibank, Exxon, Monsanto, e.g.) ever facing justice. The only backlash they ever face is a couple months of campaign rhetoric...