Murray Energy Corporation

Murray Energy Corp.

Crispin Velez

Group A

Murray Energy corp. is the US' 12 largest coal company and owns 9 mines in central and eastern US and is owner in partnership in more than 10 other mines across the US. The Crandall Canyon disaster in 2007 was not a stand alone incident, in 2006 the mine was cited for several safety violations including lack of escape routes and staff deficiencies . We must state this is a constant in the mining industry and most of its competitors have around $12.000 to $20.000 fines and are recognized for having ‘good' safety records. Although Robert Murray stated most of the fines were minor and the disaster was due to an earthquake it seems the industry, as a hole has no serious corporate culture on safety and processes that go along with the employees.

Clearly Murray Energy lacks structure in training and prevention of personnel on safety regulations and emergency protocols. Leaving aside speculation on why the incident happened it could have been prevented by planning and fortifying coal pillars and modifying retreat-mining procedures or the rescue team's life spared if a proper emergency plan was drawn up. Higher management and lower management levels need to be aware of safety protocols and what they as a corporation must provide their workers with. This industry has been known for its apathy to its workers since there is low contact between the mine crew and the actual management. By educating management in proper safety procedures and its benefits we can then help management create a bond with its workers. It is management who will have to advocate safety among its foremen and lower ranked employees.

Taking this approach will bring structure to the company. The company's concern for its workers safety will become a tangible issue not just a promotional or advertising