This is rather long...A Blog on how our high school student from PA
feel about mining safety...
How should Pennsylvania change its mine safety laws?
Two tragedies at mines in West Virginia this January put the safety of mine workers, and legislation meant to improve it, in headlines across the country. In Pennsylvania, which produces the fourth-highest amount of coal in the nation, the accidents have given urgency to legislation that has been in the works since the Quecreek Mine accident in 2002. Senate Bill 949 would require new safety precautions in mines, more reliable mapping of mines, and tougher penalties for coal companies that fail to follow state regulations. The Pennsylvania Coal Association opposes the bill because of the high penalties it sets for companies that violate state regulations. (Fines would start at $100,000 and go up to a maximum of $500,000.) What do you think? Can coal company profits and worker protections be balanced? Are fines in the hundreds of thousands of dollars for companies that break the rules excessive? Is it enough to require better inspections, mapping and safety procedures, or should Pennsylvania require tracking systems and survival caches too, as they just did in West Virginia? Join the discussion, and let us know.
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Comments
Chris P Springfield High School (June 5, 2006)
"I definitely think that the mine laws should not necessesarily be revised but definitely ENFORCED. The reason that most of the mine tragedies happen is because they are sacrificing safety for the sake of saving money. However, none of this is worth it when people's lives get endangered."
Aubrey B. Springfield High School (May 31, 2006)
"I think that Bill 949 is not only a good idea but a necessary change. Just looking at all the accidents that have occurred in mines over the past few years should make that obvious. The Pennsylvania Coal Association should be ashamed that they are comparing money to the value of human life. I don't think that the fines are excessive when you compare them to what they're protecting. If the association is so concerned with the fines, then that should send up a red flag that there's something wrong with our mines now. Why would they be so opposed to the stricter regulations if it's going to make their workers safer? I think that the regulations should be implemented. If they are, maybe fewer accidents will occur and families will feel safer to have loved ones performing these dangerous jobs."
Kiefer K. Stroudsburg Junior High School, Stroudsburg (May 24, 2006)
"I think that the idea of placing trackers on miners and radio communications is a good idea. This way if there is a cave-in, the searchers will know where to look. Also if the miners are equipped with rations, they would be able to survive longer in closed-off areas. Even if we make these precautions, mines are never going to be completely safe. All we can hope to do is reduce the effects of what happens if there is a mining disaster. Also if there are harsher penalties on mining companies if their mines collapse, this would act as a deterrent from taking the easy and cheap way out and building poorly supported mines."
Matt K Springfield High School (April 5, 2006)
"I believe that the Senate should pass Bill 949, in order to protect Pennsylvania miners. The tragic incident that occurred in West Virginia shold be a constant reminder to mining companies of the dangers. Also, I feel that strict penalties are important and needed to make certain that the mining companies concentrate on the safety of their workers. Pennsylvanian mines should incorporate better safety procedures, including more meticulous inspections, new mapping, tracking systems, and survival caches just in case."
Sarah K. Springfield HIgh School (April 3, 2006)
"I believe that there should be stricter laws to protect miners. With many accidents happening recently there is a need to improve conditions. Government officials should monitor the mines for a while until the mines are all up to code, and then, once they are all at the same level, fines should be issued if they are failing the security measures."
Chris P. Springfield High School, Springfield (April 3, 2006)
"I do not think that the mine laws need to necessarily be changed. However, it does seem that they need to be better enforced. It seemed like these mine tragedies that just passed they always said that they mines were not 'up to code' and this is why there were the disasters. As long as the inspectors are more thorough about keeping the mines safe, they should be able to avoid these tragedies in the future."
Samantha L Springfield High School (March 28, 2006)
"I think that protecting our miners is a very great idea. They get America its coal and fuel but at what risk? The coal miners risk their lives day in and day out to get America its energy. However I highly doubt the fact that the government will let the coal companies be fined that much money. With fines that high they would never make any money and the costs would go up as an effect. With the problems arising with economics in America, I don’t know how penalties like that could be instituted. Miners need to be safer and their lives should be protected better, but I doubt that they will any time soon."
Aubrey B Springfield High School (March 15, 2006)
"I think that Bill 949 is not only a good idea but a necessary change. The Pennsylvania Coal Association should be ashamed that they are comparing money to the value of human life. I don't think that the fines are excessive, when you compare them to what they're protecting. If the association is so concerned with the fines, then that should send up a red flag that there's something wrong with our mines now. Why would they be so opposed to the stricter regulations if it's going to make their workers safer? I think that the regulations should be implemented."
Sarah F Sun Valley High School, Aston (March 12, 2006)
"I feel strongly that Pennsylvania should have tighter regulations on mine safety. They should make the mines bigger and make the workers more cautious about everything. There should be checks on air and space regulations so that the next time a problem occurs, they can fix it quickly."
Don F. Sun Valley High School, Aston (March 8, 2006)
"No money can equal a human life. I believe that the fines are not excessive and do put pressure on the owners of these mines to make sure the safety of their workers is their number one goal. Pennsylvania should do something with the two incidents in Virginia and the one a couple of years ago in PA; the state needs to get something going cause who knows when the next incident could happen. They should make sure the mine is so safe you could live in there let alone work. And if there should be an incident, maps to get out, survival packs, anything that could help the miners last longer down in the hole while the rescue efforts are attemtping to get them."
Stacey M. Sun Valley (March 6, 2006)
"I definitely think that Pennsylvania should change its mining laws because there are good reasons to back it up. The safety of miners is very important, and they should organize a plan in case of an emergency and be better prepared for possible accidents. This is a very dangerous job, so miners should be equipped better since they are risking their lives everyday."
Brenda C Sun Valley High School (March 6, 2006)
"I think that the Senate Bill 949 is a good idea. It's a good prospect to require more safety requirements, tougher penalites for coal companies who violate the act, etc. The bill’s prime sponsor, state Sen. Richard Kasunic, is absolutely right for pushing this bill. As for PCA, I think it's ridiculous that they oppose the act just because the fines for violations are high. If the coal mines follow state regulations, they won't have to worry about paying any fines. As for the fine of $100,000 to $500,000, I think that that is reasonable. For a coal company to endanger the lives of their workers, there should be a big consequence."
Harry L Sun Valley High School, Aston (February 10, 2006)
"Pennsylvania should change its mine safety laws in a few ways. I think the miners should be equipped with better equipment and survival packs in case of extreme emergencies. Worker protecton should be a number one priority since Pennsylvania produces the fourth highest amount of coal in the nation."
Tony M. Newport High School (February 10, 2006)
"They need to have tracking systems or something to track men who are trapped in mines; we should also have better ways to protect miners. It's the 21st century now; we should have better ways to protect against and minimize cave-ins. We shouldn't be having accidents that were happening in the 1800s with wood beams as supporters. They should look into it; that way they don't have to pay too many fines."
Angie M. Newport High School (February 10, 2006)
"I think that they should be more prepared and better equipped. I also feel that there should be more precautions. This is a dangerous job, and the state in which this takes place should make a law setting limits to this."
Ashley M. Newport High School (February 10, 2006)
"I think that mines should be safer because many people die from the things that fall in."
Josh H. Newport High School , Newport (February 10, 2006)
"Pennsylvania should change its mine safety laws by making the mines safer for miners so that they won't get hurt. In other words, they should make more laws that say that the miners should make failsafes so that nothing goes wrong."
Lauren P. Sun Valley High School, Aston (February 10, 2006)
"I think they should strenghten the safety laws. When these men go into the mines (although it is their job), they are risking their lives everyday. I think whatever is possible should be done to keep these men safe. There should be escape plans and some way to communicate with people when there is something wrong. I think they should have better inspections and safety procedures every 3 or so months."
T. T. Newport High School (February 10, 2006)
"I believe that they should change the coal mining laws and charge them for the full $500,000. I believe that no coal is worth the life of a miner."
Amanda F. Newport High School (February 10, 2006)
"Yes, I do agree with changing the mine safty laws. I think the fines should start at $100,00 but then again I don't because then that would mean that the price of coal would go up. And believe it or not, many families use coal for warmth."
Zack M. Newport High School (February 10, 2006)
"They need to have something like a tracking system or like they need to call every so long to see if they are ok."
Danielle K. Newport High School (February 9, 2006)
"I think that there should be more precautions in the mining industry because of what has happened in the past. The miners should have some kind of cummunication to a person outside of where they're mining. Also they should have an idea if something is going to go wrong in the mine before they go into it."
Shawnell Z. Newport High School (February 9, 2006)
"I think we should do whatever possible to make mining safer because a lot of people die while doing it."
Myranda M Newport High School (February 9, 2006)
"I think that the mine safety laws should be changed because lately many people were hurt or killed in mines. I think that they should make it so that every mine is checked for any damage to the mine or something that could go wrong before the miners go in it. I also think that they should always have some way of communicating with people outside of the mines."
Bethany K Newport High School (February 9, 2006)
"I think that state regulations are pretty important and should be followed. If a company repeatedly breaks the state safety laws, a larger fine would make sense. But for a first offense, I think it seems a bit much. However, the lives of the people who have these jobs are constantly at risk. The mines definitely need to improve their safety systems to keep these people safe."
Courtney S Newport High School (February 9, 2006)
"If mines in Pennsylvania have too many problems they should be shut down. If there are no problems with the mine, miners should have the best equipment out there. More high tech equipment could save hundreds of lives. Fines will not do the job; the people who own coal mines probably make millions of dollars a year. 500 grand is nothing to them. The presidents of coal mines need to start thinking about their employees; coal miners probably have one of the toughest jobs out there."
Victoria G Newport High School (February 9, 2006)
"I feel that they should inspect the mines to a point that even if miners got trapped we could get them out within a 24- to 48-hour time period. This should allow people to go into the mines with some of a safe feeling. If the mines aren't fit for people, then they should be shut down and closed."
Jake S. Newport High School (February 9, 2006)
"I think yes because if there is a problem, it should be fixed, but if we don't happen to see or think we have a problem, don't because that would just waste money and our country is already in debt."
Jason R. Newport High School (February 9, 2006)
"I think that the mines should be inspected as best as they can. If there are any problems, the mines should be shut down to fix those problems. The fines are not too excessive for the people who do not follow the rules. The mines should be better mantained so that we do not have the trouble that we are having now."
Stephanie H. Newport High School, Newport (February 9, 2006)
"I think we need to make the miners put into similar situations and give them all the equpiment that they need. I also think that they should get a survival kit with them, not at certain stations, if that's how they do that. Because if they get trapped they are going to need oxygen and a way to communicate with the people outside to get help as fast as possible. And if they don't have a survival kit or something similar to that, then what's the point if they only have that stuff at certain spots? If they don't make it there, what are they to do? That's what I think PA needs to do."
Ashley R Newport High School, Newport (February 9, 2006)
"I think that they should make more reliable maps for the mine so that the miners know how far back to go. The company that does not follow the laws should have to pay for the crime that they have committed. If one of the mines caves in, then the comany should be responsible to tell the families and pay for the funerals as well."
Sam H. Newport High School, Newport (February 9, 2006)
"They should have areas were the miners can go for shelter until someone finds them if they get stuck, and mines should be checked once a year for dangerous conditions."
Danielle S. Newport High School (February 9, 2006)
"Pennsylvania should change its mine safety laws by checking the mines twice a year. They should put cameras on the miners' heads so they can locate them if something were to happen. They should put cameras in the mines in case something happens to the miners' cameras. If they do this, it would probably save many people's lives."
Anna P Newport High School (February 9, 2006)
"I definitely think that requiring stricter safety precautions that must be followed by mines is a law that Pennsylvania needs to consider. The lives of the workers are in danger, and it's the companies' duties to protect these workers. Having a steep fine may be the only way to enforce the law. When lives are on the line I don't believe that there is any price too high to pay. But it can't stop there. Tracking systems and survival caches are very important as well. As long as we need coal, we need mines. As long as there are mines, it's important that we keep the fathers, mothers, sons etc. safe in the mines."
Elena P. Newport High School (February 9, 2006)
"I think that this bill should absolutely be passed. The West Virginia coal mining accidents should open our eyes about this issue. It is a serious problem how accidents happen in mines. This bill should provide the miners with GPS devices and oxygen tanks. These devices would help a miner when in an accident. It would increase the likelihood of that miner surviving. To me, it is very important that all miners are safe. Also, fines for mines that don't follow the regulations should be strictly enforced. That way, the mines can better prevent accidents and help save the miners."
Brandi R Newport High School (February 9, 2006)
"I think that in order to protect the miners, they should have to check the mines more often than they do so more people won't get hurt."
Aaron D Newport High School (February 9, 2006)
"What I think we should do is go through precautions on the mine safety and help the safety for the future. Also if they want to make mines safe, they should try to make it as safe as possible as they can so that there aren't any more deaths happening from collapsing mines. I think they should also check the mines out more than they usually do to prevent mines from not being safe."
Josh H. Newport High School (February 9, 2006)
"I think that they should require higher standards and have a high-penalty fine if a company cannot follow these rules. Also I am on the line because if they do get fined at such a high price, then many workers could lose their jobs."
Matt L. Newport High School (February 9, 2006)
"I think that the safety laws are a good thing. The penalty is not too high; the coal companies shouldn't even have to worry about it if they just keep their safety regulations up to date. The company's profits and worker protection can be balanced."
Chris S Newport High School (February 8, 2006)
"Yes but only if we start to see problems with the safety of our mines because if we don't see a problem, then there might not be one so there is no need to waste tax money on nothing."
Nathan B Newport High School (February 8, 2006)
"I think that the fines are too high and if there is a problem that is in violation they should get off with a warning, but should be fined in some small amount of money for the problem."
Kyle A Newport High School (February 8, 2006)
"I don't think that there should be mining anymore because not only is there alot of people who get killed, but they are also destroying the country."
Kristen M. Newport High School (February 8, 2006)
"I personally think that they should do as much as possible to make coal minning a lot safer and more communication for being underground, so people above can communicate better with the miners. It's all for their safety."
Emily R Newport High School (February 8, 2006)
"I think that they should be doing a lot more to protect the miners. Having a heavy fine is only going to save lives. Too many people have died in the mines, and we should do what we can to save the lives of the people working there. The more accidents, the more people won't want to work there, and then we won't have people to work in the mine. I think that we should do everything that is in our power to save lives. There has been way too many deaths in the coal mines."
Kelby R Newport High School (February 8, 2006)
"I think that the need a better source of GPS system that they can have on location if something happens."
Dylan S. Newport high School (February 8, 2006)
"I think that they should put oxygen tanks in the mines in case they get trapped. They can have oxygen and put GPS's on the miners, and that way if they get trapped, they know exactly where they are."
Amanda D. Newport High School (February 8, 2006)
"I think they should because then it would change the amount of accidents."
Abby T. Newport High School (February 8, 2006)
"I think that they should make things safer for miners before they send them in because too many people are dying due to the lack of safety."
Jason K Newport High School (February 8, 2006)
"I feel that there should be air packs every 100 ft. or so down the length of the tunnel. There should be crush-proof safety zones were the miner could go if there was a cave-in. These safety zones should be randomly placed throughout the mine."
Becky S Newport High School (February 8, 2006)
"I think that stronger mine safety laws is a great idea. These men are risking their lives everyday for us, and the companies should do everything they can to ensure that they are safe. As for the tougher fines -- I agree with them. Maybe this is what the companies need in order to make the mines safer."
Austin R. Newport High School (February 7, 2006)
"I think that Pennsylvania should make the mine structure more safe with more supports. Also I think that they should allow them more time to take a break."
Jake D. Newport High School (February 7, 2006)
"I think that Pennsyvania should do whatever it has enough money for, but it wouldn't be a bad idea to do all of that stuff."
Danielle B Newport High School, Newport (February 7, 2006)
"I think that they should be balanced; that way the miners who work there should be protected. Yes it would be enough money because it would be keeping the people who work there safe. They should be required to wear the tracking system because if they get trapped in the mines if they collapse they can be found more easily."
Corey M. Newport High School (February 7, 2006)
"I think they should be fined much more than $100,000 to $500,000 because the safety of workers is more important than coal."
Jenn N. Newport High School , Newport (February 7, 2006)
"I think it is a big issue and to protect the workers. We should give them enough supplies to last them if something bad happens. There should be more safety equipment for them to use."
Colton R. Newport High School, Newport (February 7, 2006)
"I think that these mines need to be checked more often to make sure they meet requirements and are safe. I also think that coal companies should make their miners wear a mask on the job and have an oxygen tank near by. This might help to save many jobs."
Dowell G. Newport High School, Newport (February 7, 2006)
"I think that the mine union and the state legislators should work to enforce mandatory checks for combustible materials in the air. They should also encourage the installment of masks and air tanks every 100 feet or so."
Jessica B Sun Valley High School (February 7, 2006)
"Some might say that you can never be too careful when it comes to dangerous activities. In this case, it is totally correct, especially in this line of work. Although coal company profits and worker protections should be balanced, updated safety regulations and better maps should irrefutably be made. Any precaution that can be thought of to elude accidents from happening like those of the recent past are definitely acceptable and duly needed."
Leona W. Newport High School (February 6, 2006)
"Coal company profits and worker protections will have to be balanced. Each miner should have enough food and water to last them weeks in case of an emergency like these."
Taylor J Newport High School (February 6, 2006)
"I think the fines are too high. They should just give them a warning to fix the problem. When they come back to check to see if it is down and it is not, then fine them. The law is a good idea because safety is more important than money."
Brianne H. Newport High School (February 6, 2006)
"I think that we should have not only better mapping but also some type of device that will tell whether the mining area is safe or not. The miners need to be safe, and they shouldn't have to worry whether or not they will make it out of there alive."
Ryan R Newport High School, Newport (February 6, 2006)
"I think that Pennsylvania should take more precautions before they go into mines, like making sure the support in the mines will be sturdy and hold up. Also I think they should have more supplies in case of an emergency in the mines, such as oxygen tanks and food."
Liza T. Newport High School (February 6, 2006)
"I think the fines are a little high, but I do think that they need to be safe in the coal mines. I think they should stick together and not go out alone because maybe they will come back safely, and they should have a backup in case something happens to them like extra intercoms so it doesn't take the police people so long to get to the miners."
Josh W.P. Newport High School (February 6, 2006)
"I think that the fines should be raised, along with the safety standards, since the safety of the workers is far more important than any amount of profits are, and higher fines would prevent the coal companies from breaking the regulations to make a profit."
John R. Sun Valley High School (February 4, 2006)
"Coal company profits and worker protections will have to be balanced. The fines in the hundreds of thousands of dollars for companies that break the rules are not too excessive. They are perfect because then the companies will be less likely to take a chance at violating them. Pennsylvania law officials should require tracking systems so that if there was an explosion, the miners remaining could be located. Also, each miner should have enough food to last them a week in case of an emergency."
Lizzie M Newport High School (February 3, 2006)
"I think they should have water and food that won't go bad and wouldn't need to be cooked, and they should have water down there too. They should have mine inspections like once or twice a week to make sure it is safe for the miners to work without worrying if there going to die in there or if they'll make it home."
Brittany P. Newport High School (February 3, 2006)
"I think that the leader of the mines should have a head count before they actually go mining. If they do this, then there's no way that they could not know that someone was missing. If someone was missing, it would be nice if they had back up supplies in the mines (food, water, oxygen, etc.)."
Emily L Newport High School (February 3, 2006)
"I think that PA should not just make better mapping and better safety procedures. I think that they should make it that they have tracking devices with them at all times so they know where they are. And the prices that they have set for fines I think is fine because no amount of money can take the place of somebody losing their life."
Kristy Z. Sun Valley High School, Aston (February 3, 2006)
"I think we just need better inspections, mapping, and safety procedures."
Gabel Newport High School (February 3, 2006)
"I think we need to have all the mines closed and be inspected as quickly as possible so things can get back to normal and so that the miners will be safe."
Walton Newport High School (February 3, 2006)
"I think that mining laws are too lax because of how many people die at the hands of a mining accident. The fines for this job are not very high, but they are not used too often so I think we need to improve them."
Dan O. Sun Valley High School (February 2, 2006)
"Of course Pennsylvania's mines could be safer. As such a dominant role in the mining industry, the miners in the state of Pennsylvania need to be kept safe. Not only should fines be increased, but arrests should be made. The only way to successfully improve Pennsylvania's mine safety is to create and implement new and stricter laws."
Dan F. Newport High School (February 2, 2006)
"I think that they should make it so that the mines have to be very safe because over the past few years we have been hearing about all these mines that have been falling in. They should be safe enough that people could live in it because there are always people working there. The fines should be higher so that they make sure they make the mines safe."
Robert M. Newport High School (February 2, 2006)
"Well I think that the mines should have supplies put in them like every 10 or 15 feet like oxygen and water and first aid kits and things to have so they can survive as long as they can. So I think that might help out alot, and then you would probably not here about the miners dying. You would hear that they would be rescued and be just fine."
Carinna B. Newport High School (February 2, 2006)
"They should make the law for the miners to be at least 30 to 65 years of age."
Shannon P Newport High School (February 2, 2006)
"Mines should definitely be made safer for miners or at least have better safety equipment for the miners."
Travis T Newport High School (February 2, 2006)
"I think miners should carry better equiptment, and they should have another way out of the mine so if a miner gets trapped they can exit the mine."
Josh H. Newport High School, Newport (February 2, 2006)
"I think that PA should make a law that says that they should check for anything that could go wrong, such as make sure that there are no harmful or deadly gases. Make sure the walls of the mine don't collapse on the miners while they're working. Or maybe even set a certain depth that the miners aren't allowed to pass without the go ahead. "
Kerrie K. Newport High School (February 2, 2006)
"I do agree with the with the increase of the fines. I also agree with Jason M. without the radios and the trackers how are the miners supposed to be found? Also with the food idea, if the miners are trapped for like a day or two they would be getting really hungry without food. I also think the oxygen tank is a good idea; again if the miners are trapped for a day or two, it can be real bad on their lungs and make it hard for them to get air and oxygen."
Cassie R Newport High School (February 2, 2006)
"Yes, Pennsylvania should make the mining laws stricter. The high fines are probably just what we need to get our mines safer. If they have to pay the high fines, they won't want to more than once and will most likely try to improve the conditions under which the miners work. Another thing they should enforce in Pennsylvania is just what they are in West Virginia, to have the routes in the mines better mapped and better tracking devices, so that if there ever was a cave-in it would be faster to get to the trapped miners. They should also make the miners carry small first aid kits, and check the mines much more frequently for safety problems, and have other, better first aid kits that also have water and oxygen, already in the caves, so that if need be the miners will only have to walk a little way, if anywhere at all, to get some of the more urgent things they need."
John T Newport High School, Newport (February 2, 2006)
"I feel that the mining industry should have much more protection for current and future miners and severly punish anyone who doesn't follow the laws. Nobody wants to see another accident where miners get trapped for 10 days."
Katelyn D. Newport High School (February 2, 2006)
"I think that mines need to be much safer. They should put all the equipment they would need in the mine just in case of a cave-in."
Emily B. Newport High School, Newport (February 2, 2006)
"I think that the laws should be changed if they can be to make mines more safe. If there is a better and safer way for people to be able to mine, I think that we should take advantage of that. I also think that if the companies do not follow the new laws, they should be fined for alot of money because they are putting a person's life in bigger jeporady then it already is."
Jeff S Newport High School (February 1, 2006)
"I think that the miners should have better maps or GPS on them when they enter the mine."
Zack Z Newport High School (February 1, 2006)
"I think to make the mine safety better they should just have some type of tracking device attached to them in case of an emergency and they need to know their location."
Timothea S. Newport High School (February 1, 2006)
"The laws are fine now, but I think they should be changed because you want to be as safe as you can be. It doesn't take much for something to go wrong these days. So they should have better and clearer maps."
Nathan H. Newport High School (February 1, 2006)
"Yes to make it safer for the miners. Plus they won't get stuck in the mines with better maps of the mine."
B S. Newport High School (February 1, 2006)
"Ies. It should be changed. It is not fair that there are no programs to help miners."
Sierra B Newport High School , Newport (February 1, 2006)
"I think that the fines should go up. I think Pennsylvania should require tracking systems and survival caches. The hundred thousands they might be getting I think would be enough for inspections."
Jacinda P. Newport High School , Newport (February 1, 2006)
"I think that PA and all of the other states should makes sure the miners are safe so if they have to change the laws to ensure their safety than maybe they should."
Jessie H. Newport High School, Newport (February 1, 2006)
"I think that the mines need to be checked regularly because they are not safe if they're not checked on a daily basis. I think they need better maps for the people who are responsible for the mines. They need better lights to see what they are doing in the mines. If they can't see, then how are they going to help the environment and other things that need help?"
Angelina M Sun Valley High School (February 1, 2006)
"I think that miners should have some type of communication device on them all the time while in the mines. It would help the people not in the mines know what is going on in there. All of the tragedies in West Virginia, I believe, are due to miscommunication. The companies should be fined for the lack of saftey in their mines. It's their responsiblity."
Misty S Newport High School (February 1, 2006)
"I think that it should change a little but not by much. Like fines should go up a little, and they should reinforce the rules more too."
Nicole S. Newport High School (February 1, 2006)
"I think the safety measures to protect the miners should definitely be raised. Just as they did in West Virginia, they should have tracking systems and survival caches. I also think that the coal company profits and worker protections can be balanced. The miners' safety should be the top priority."
Amanda S. Newport High School (February 1, 2006)
"They should make it safer for the miners to go in and have tracking systems so they don't get lost in the mines."
Steph C. Sun Valley High School (February 1, 2006)
"I think mines should follow strict regulations on the mapping of mines and how detailed the maps are. Another law should be to have oxygen and some other emergency equipment mounted on the walls of the mine, just as we see fire extinguishers on the walls of our schools and other public places."
Lauren B Sun Valley High School, Aston (February 1, 2006)
"I think Pennsylvania should require tracking systems and also better inspections, mapping and safety procedures. I think tracking systems should be a part of the safety procedures. If the miners can be tracked, then other miners can warn co-workers of weak areas down below, and/or workers up top can keep the look out for the miners below. Pennsylvania should do whatever it takes to ensure stability of the mines and saftey in the mining environment."
Kristin L. Sun Valley High School (January 31, 2006)
"I think that all mines should be much more safe, by making sure the air is clean. All mines are not safe, but they should be doing everything possible to make them as safe as they can be."
Kyle B Newport High School (January 31, 2006)
"I feel that the miners should have better maps of where they are working so something like that doesn't happen again, and I think that $100,000 to $500,000 is a little too much. But I think that they need better maps of the place they are."
Samantha M. Newport High School (January 31, 2006)
"I really don't care how Pennsylvania changes its mine safety laws as long as mines become safer. There have been several mining accidents in other sates lately."
Amanda E. Newport High School (January 31, 2006)
"I don't really know, but I think they should have better safety on mine laws."
Elysia C. Newport High School (January 31, 2006)
"I think they should change them because you can never be too safe. The laws may be fine, but what happens if they turn out not to be? They should change them to make the mines as safe as possible, even if the laws seem to be ok at the moment."
Derek Corry High School (January 31, 2006)
"I feel that we should not bother much in the mine saftey issue. Mines have been around for quite a few decades. They were dangerous when we started, and I doubt anybody forgot that mining is dangerous. Pressing higher mapping laws would just be useless because anybody can misread a map, and one of those anybodys could be a mining director. PA should place the tracking systems and survival caches that WV has placed, because it will prove to be very helpful in later dates."
Jeb R. Corry High School, Corry (January 31, 2006)
"The very fact that we, apparently, consider the safety of any type of workers a debatable subject should be a red flag targeting our possible misled priorities. I don't remember when the last time that penalties were overlooked when a restaraunt served unhealthy food that caused food poisoning. I really don't feel that this situation should be treated significantly differently. I think that the safety of the workers should be the number one priority of all mining companies, not profit. I'm not going to say that I have a solution that would eliminate casualties and/or accidents within the mines; I'm just saying that I couldn't sleep at night knowing that in the morning I might have to explain to the spouse of a deceased miner that their significant other's tragic accident could have been prevented, but that it would have cut into profits to properly assess any safety concerns."
Blakely C. Corry Area High School (January 31, 2006)
"I think that Pennsylvania should defintely take all precautions necessary to keep the mine workers safe. If a company breaks the rules and regulations, they should be punished brutally, especially in the case of a death or major accident. Also, the fines are a good idea to keep the companies from breaking the regulations. There should be frequent checks in the mines, just like there is in any restaurant or factory, to make sure everything is running properly. Mapping, safety procedures, tracking systems, and survival caches are most definitely necessary. I don't understand why they wouldn't have had them before. Also, why don't they have survival kits with food, oxygen, and first aid? We have to keep our workers safe."
Ambra W. Corry Senior High School (January 31, 2006)
"I think that we need to have better mine safety regulations. It should not matter what it takes or what the consequencs are. I feel that all mines need to have an annual inspection; that way they can catch the problem before it gets too bad. If we don't, more people are going to get hurt and there will be more disasters that do not need to occur. The more problems we have in the mines, the more it's going to cost us to fix."
Matt T. Corry Senior High School (January 31, 2006)
"I feel that the mines are being run just fine. Sure there were a couple of deaths that caused towns to grive, and they have my sympathy. What I'm worried about is how the people and government will respond to this. Now if the government does set much higher standards and higher fines, the mining company can go bankrupt if the regulations call for more safety equpment, more detailed maps and higher wages. Or the company could just say, 'well I don't have to follow these high cost regulations over in asia so I will move the company over there.' If the company decides to do this, there will be more unemployment in America, more money will be put into welfare, and the American miners could face the fact that they will be out of the job for the rest of their lives because there will be no more mining companies in America."
Becky K. Corry Senior High School (January 31, 2006)
"There needs to be tighter regulations for Pennsylvanian mining companies to follow. If the mines have better safety standards, they should still stay profitable. They would have an easier time mining and fewer lawsuits. I think there should be survival kits in the mine. What harm could they do?"
Mike R Corry Area High School (January 31, 2006)
"I think they should. The rules and regulations are not good enough. Working in a mine is a dangerous job so there should be harsher punishment if the companies don't follow or enforce rules and laws. Mine workers should also be issued a tracking device because accidents do happen and they have a better chance of surviving if they can be found in time."
Alissa R. O. Corry Senior High School (January 31, 2006)
"I think that West Virginia made a very wise decision by making these new laws. Mining is a very dangerous job, and we should try to protect our workers to the best of our ability. I believe by following through with these laws that we protecting them as much as possible. I think that the Pennsylvania Coal Association made a bad decision on opposing the bill just because of the high penalties. If the companies realize how high the fines are, then they will follow the laws more carefully, and in return more workers would be safer. And I think that a person's safety is more important than any amount of money."
Carrie S. Corry Senior High School (January 31, 2006)
"I think that the unexpected tragedy that happened in West Virginia should open the mining companies' eyes to help keep their workers safe. Coal companies' profits and worker protections can be balanced; all they have to do is try a little harder. They should want to keep up with regulations to make sure everything is safe. I also think that the fines are a great idea and are not too high. They are just right for protecting people's lives. They should go into effect as soon as possible in all states."
James C Newport High School (January 31, 2006)
"I think that each miner who goes in should have a tracking device. And both the people in and out of the mines should have a detailed map of where they are going. I think that the fines are high. But maybe because they are so high companies will buy the equipment. Maybe on the carts that they use they could put oxygen tanks on them."
Courtney Z. Newport High School (January 31, 2006)
"I think Pennsylvania should make mining safer. I think that they should have better maps and have tracking systems like they have in West Virginia. I don't think the price of the fines are too much as long as the miners are safe. If the companies have to pay a fine, then maybe they will try harder to make the mines safer."
Clarissa K. Newport High School (January 31, 2006)
"I think that mines should be checked on a daily basis, even if they're not working on it. Before any miners go down in the mines, I think that they should be checked for their supplies. They also should have a tracking device so just in case they get trapped they can locate the miners and get them out of the mines as soon as possible. They need better maps of the mines before they go in. I also think that the $100,000-$500,000 fine is a good idea."
Kayla M. Newport High School (January 31, 2006)
"They should have a better idea of where they are going and a map of the mine that they are using to get the coal."
Kevin M Newport High School (January 31, 2006)
"I think that they should try to make mines safer. I do not think some of those fines are excessive becuase if they do what is required they will not have to worry about it."
Nick S. Newport High School (January 31, 2006)
"I think that the profits can be balanced intesively. They need some type of protection, and if another accident were to happen, it would be a tradgedy. I think that they are in the hundreds of thousands of dollars for the rules excessively. I think that they should require tracking systems like they did in West Virginia."
Brittany R. Newport High School, Newport (January 30, 2006)
"PA should have tighter regulations on mine safety. If they don't start cleaning them up now, they are going to wind up with another disaster like they did in WV. All mines in the U.S. should be more cautious about everything. They should have regular checks on the air, and regular evaluations so that maybe the next time they can fix a problem before it happens."
Jason M. Newport High School, Newport (January 30, 2006)
"They should have better safety by making the miners carry a digital tracker on their helmets or on their belts and have a radio that could get through to anyone so if they do get trapped they know when the help is going to be there and where they are located so they can be rescued in the fastest time possible. Also by adding air tanks so if they can't get to them they will have oxgyen to use and food that they can eat would help keep them alive."
Kyle I. Newport High School, Newport (January 30, 2006)
"I think that the miners need to have a better mapping of the mines that they are working in. For anyone who does not abide by the laws should have a tougher penalty like it says in the paragraph. I think the fines of $100,000-$500,000 is a good idea; it will cause people to pay attention to the laws of Pennsylvania. This will also stop many stupid accidents from happening."
Matthew M Newport High School (January 30, 2006)
"We haven't had any problems in 4 years so far. These problems are in West Virgina not Pennsylvania. If we just improve the conditions a little bit and make the fines a bit larger, then I think things will be alright."
Cortney F. Newport High School (January 30, 2006)
"Yes, I do think that there should be more effective safety laws for miners. I don't think that it should be fair for these companies to allow these people to die and then not pay the punishment for not following regulations. I feel the company should not have to pay if and only if the requirements were followed but something went wrong anyway."
Josh H. Newport High School (January 30, 2006)
"The mines should have more safety features, and regular evaluations on the air and other things. So they can prevent problems from happening."
Jodi P. Newport High School (January 30, 2006)
"PA should have better mine safety regulations. If they just let it go how they are, then it is just going to get worse and become like West Virginia. I think that the cost for the fine is a good idea."
Amber M. Newport High School (January 30, 2006)
"I think PA should make the mine safety laws better. By doing this it would help decrease the amount of mine accidents. They could make better maps and have the mine companies pass a test for safety and the air quality in the mine. If they do not pass state laws, they should be fined."
Leann B Newport High School (January 30, 2006)
"I think that precautions should be increased for the safety of minors. Even if there haven't been many accidents in Pennsylvania recently, it doesn't mean there won't be any in the future. We should learn from the accidents in West Virginia and prevent the same thing from happening here."
Janelle N Newport High School (January 30, 2006)
"I think that PA should because if we don't, then if we get more problems with the coal miners' accidents, then we would be losing money and that would make us go into greater debt."
Autumn P. Newport High School (January 30, 2006)
"The unfortunate disasters that occurred in West Virginia have confirmed my belief that Pennsylvania should take more precautions with mining. I feel coal companies can make a large profit, while still protecting their workers. I do not feel that the fines are excessive; these companies should want to safeguard their workers. Pennsylvania should check for dangerously high levels of lethal gases, should require better inspections, and mapping and safety procedures. I think that if Pennsylvania wants to put the safety - and ultimately the lives - of their miners first, they should also require tracking systems and survival caches."
Sarah Newport High School (January 30, 2006)
"I feel that a fine such as $100,000-$500,000 will help mines to abide by the new regulations. I also feel that all miners should be required to wear a tracking system at all times; that way, if there is an accident, they know where all the miners are."
Rachel A. Newport High School (January 30, 2006)
"I think that the miners should wear tracking devices to make mining safer. Also, more precautions should take place because many mining accidents happen, and we need to take more action. I also think that their protections can be balanced. This way, more lives can be saved."
Kayla T. Newport High School (January 30, 2006)
"I think that they should make them wear more protective clothing because if they were wearing more effective clothing, they are less likely to get hurt."
Mandi A. Newport High School (January 30, 2006)
"I think that the bill needs to be made a law. All these miners are getting hurt or worse killed and nothing is being done about it. Soon no one is going to want to work under these hard and careless conditions. So they should either make it better or pay the fines for not doing so."
Sarah F Sun Valley High School, Aston (January 30, 2006)
"I feel that Pennsylvania should have tighter regulations on mine safety. They should make the mines bigger, and make the workers more cautious about everything. There should be checks on air and space regulations so that the next time a problem occurs, they can fix it quickly."
AI
