Mine Safety

Archive Report

Public Concern Over Recent Mine Disasters

The disastrous explosion at Centralia, Ill., Mar. 25, and four other mining accidents during 1947 which were classified by the federal Bureau of Mines as “major disasters,” have sharply reversed the long-term downward trend of coal-mine fatalities in the United States. Public sympathy for the miners and their families was undoubtedly a factor in the decision of the coal operators to accept terms highly favorable to the men in contracts signed with the United Mine Workers in July. In addition to higher wages and shorter hours, the contracts provided for continuation and enlargement of the operator-supported Health and Welfare Fund, and for voluntary enforcement of the Federal Mine Safety Code, which had been promulgated by Secretary of the Interior ...

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