Many of us watched in horror last summer as miners lost their lives in the Crandall Canyon mine collapse in Utah, and before that, the disasters at Sago, Darby and Aracoma mines. After multiple debacles, you’d think the government would make mine safety a top priority.  Think again.  Recent reports uncovered a huge failure at the federal agency in charge of mine safety.  

The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) failed to fine more than 4,000 safety & health violations over the last six years for mines that broke regulations.

Richard Stickler, the man responsible for mine safety in this country, needs some help. We put together some ideas for how Mr. Stickler can actually do his job.

» Can you send a note to MSHA Administrator Richard Stickler?

Richard Stickler used to be a coal mining executive. The mines he managed had injury rates that were double the national average. Senators didn’t find him to be very qualified for the job, and twice rejected his nomination. President Bush twice bypassed the Senate to appoint Stickler, despite loud protests from anyone familiar with his egregiously anti-safety record. 

We put together some ideas for how Mr. Stickler can actually do his job. 

• Enforce new mine safety rules as required by Congress
• Fine companies that break the law – all 4,000 incidents and counting – and prosecute those who don't pay
• Push for more and better safety and health regulations and enforcement
• Giver miners a say in workplace safety by making it easier for them to form unions
• Think like a miner, not a mine executive
• Listen to miners, not the companies, when it comes to developing better safety regulations

Those are pretty reasonable demands of a man who has not done his job for almost two years.  You can send your letter – and write your own demands – right here.

Thank you for standing up for workers everywhere.