Spate of mine fatalities prompts a safety stand down in W.V.
Two die at mine cited for 65 safety violations
Four miningfatalities within two weeks in West Virginia prompted Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin to call for a safety stand down last week so that mine operators could review safety practices. The order signed by Tomblin required mines to stop operations for at least one hour on Wednesday afternoon.
West Virginia’s Office of Miners’ Health, Safety and Training sent inspectors through all coal mines to assist with the stand down. "We are working statewide with mining industry officials to ensure we are taking all necessary precautions," said Tomblin.