UMWA's Roberts Demands Action

DENVER -- Two keynote speeches in succession here have mentioned West Virginia and mining safety, a direct response to the Upper Big Branch Mine fatalities in West Virginia.

Tuesday's speaker, United Mine Workers of America President Cecil E. Roberts Jr., spoke passionately about the role of labor unions in fashioning America's workplace safety laws and raising the living standards of workers throughout the nation. He left no doubt about his view of current laws and enforcement.

"The laws don't work, the laws are inadequate, the laws are not enforced. And we need new laws," Roberts declared. "What is the most precious resource the employer has? The worker. And we ought to act like it."

Later in the speech, he called on Congress and his audience to do more. "Congress, you bailed out everybody else. You bailed out the millionaires.... Why not bail out the worker, at least [to] have a safe place to work?

"We need your brain power," Roberts told the audience of industrial hygienists. "We need your innovation. We need your thought process."

Roberts pointed out about 14 workers die on the job every day in the United States, roughly 5,100 per year, and thousands die from occupational illnesses annually. Black lung deaths are down from 1,500 per year a few years ago to 900 now, but only because so many older miners with the disease have died, he said.

When he finished, they gave him a standing ovation.

Product Showcase

  • Magid® D-ROC® GPD412 21G Ultra-Thin Polyurethane Palm Coated Work Gloves

    Magid’s 21G line is more than just a 21-gauge glove, it’s a revolutionary knitting technology paired with an advanced selection of innovative fibers to create the ultimate in lightweight cut protection. The latest offering in our 21G line provides ANSI A4 cut resistance with unparalleled dexterity and extreme comfort that no other 21-gauge glove on the market can offer! Read More

  • Safety Knives

    The Safety Knife Company has developed a quality range of safety knives for all industries. Designed so that fingers cannot get to the blades, these knives will safely cut through cardboard, tape, strapping, shrink or plastic wrap or a variety of other packing materials. Because these knives have no exposed blades and only cut cardboard deep, they will not only protect employees against lacerations but they will also save product. The Metal Detectable versions have revolutionary metal detectable polypropylene knife bodies specifically for the food and pharmaceutical industries. This material can be detected and rejected by typical detection machines and is X-ray visible. Read More

  • HAZ LO HEADLAMPS

    With alkaline or rechargeable options, these safety rated, Class 1, Div. 1 Headlamps provide long runtime with both spot and flood options in the same light. Work safely and avoid trip hazards with flexible hands-free lighting from Streamlight. Read More

Featured

Artificial Intelligence

Webinars