Rep. Miller Urges Chao to Act Quickly to Protect Miners from Insufficient Seals

Underground miners face a far greater danger than previously known from blasts in abandoned areas of mines. New research shows that the walls sealing off abandoned areas of mines are unable to withstand more powerful explosions from within the abandoned areas, putting miners at risk. Rep. George Miller urged Labor Secretary Chao to take immediate steps to protect these workers. Read the letter (PDF, 527KB) »
 

Bush Administration Supports Mine Operators Over Mine Safety

Rep. George Miller (D-CA) issued a report in January 2006 that shows that the Bush administration has systematically undermined health and safety protections for American mine workers by putting the interests of mine operators ahead of rigorous enforcement of the law. Read the report (PDF, 129KB) »
 

About the Federal Government's Duty to Protect Miners

The federal government's duty to protect federal mine safety and health rests primarily with the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) in the United States Department of Labor. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services provides mine-related research. Also involved is an independent Mine Safety and Health Review Commission to which a mine operator can appeal a citation.

President Bush named the current head of MSHA, Assistant Secretary Richard Stickler, in late 2006, although his formal nomination for that position has not been approved by the Senate. Both Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao and the White House have considerable oversight of MSHA's budget, policy and actions.

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