Alpha plans to bring Massey executive in as safety program developer
May 19, 2011 ·
An independent investigation into the Upper Big Branch mine disaster last year that killed 29 men found the mine company owner, Massey Energy, at fault for not creating safe working conditions. The investigation also criticizes Alpha Natural Resources, the company scheduled to take over Massey next month, for hiring a Massey executive.
Alpha Natural Resources spokesman Ted Pile says the company is
committed to working with authorities cooperatively and transparently once
Alpha completes its planned take over of Massey next month.
Pile says once that acquisition happens, all
employees will go through the companies Running Right training program.
"That program is based on giving every employee a say
in creating a safe work environment, and we think that's the proper way to
approach safety," Pile said.
One person who will help design the company's safety
training elements is Massey Chief Operating Officer Chris Adkins. McAteer's
report calls this a questionable choice since the team concludes Upper Big
Branch was a mine where "safety standards were swept aside in the rush to
produce coal."
Pile says Adkins is
not in a position of responsibility over any operations and that the company
feels good about its vetting process of Massey employees.