Question

What alternatives the government took after the upper big brand mine disaster

Answer 1

The upper big branch mine disaster came as a wake up call and highlighted the unsafe conditions in which miners work. After this disaster, MSHA(Mine Safety and Health Administration) has set up an inetrnal team to analyse the situation.Based on the recommendations of the team, MSHA has implemented the following reforms:

• Enhanced enforcement programs, such as impact inspections and a revised pattern of violations process.
• The splitting of the southern West Virginia coal district into two districts.
• The upgrading of the Mt. Hope, W. Va., laboratory for better coal-dust and gas analyses.
• Reorganization of the Office of Assessments, Accountability, Special Enforcement and Investigationsto better manage and support MSHA’s enforcement programs.
• Publication of final regulations on the maintenance of rock dust, examinations in underground mines and the pattern of violations program to rein in chronic violators.
• Creation of a centralized system to establish better oversight of all agency directives and policy guidance and to ensure their consistency.
• Modification of the Mine Plan Approval database system.
• Integration of a common tracking system to track inspector re-training.