5/7/2010
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Gov. Joe Manchin today announced another significant step in improving mine and industrial safety in West Virginia.
The governor has ordered the creation of a Mine and Industrial Accident Safety Hotline/Tip Line to be handled by the West Virginia Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management call center.
The Safety Hotline will be staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Callers may choose to remain anonymous.
“I want all miners and workers from any other industry in West Virginia to feel empowered to report problems in the workplace without fear of retribution,” said Gov. Manchin. “This hotline will hopefully encourage more workers to become involved in strengthening safety procedures from the front lines.”
Utilizing the West Virginia Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (WVDHSEM) office will ensure an independent agency not affiliated with any regulatory agencies is receiving calls. Additionally, WVDHSEM employees answering calls coming into the tip line are equipped to handle any situation where life safety is involved.
Calls will be forwarded on to appropriate regulatory or law enforcement agencies and those agencies will be required to report back to WVDHSEM to make sure each issue is being addressed.
“To help prevent future tragedies like last month’s at the Upper Big Branch Mine in Raleigh County and to fix unsafe conditions that may cause accidents, injuries or fatalities, we need all levels of mining and industry workforces to play an active role,” said Gov. Manchin. “No one should hesitate to call the Safety Hotline with concerns – no matter how large or small.”
The Mine and Industrial Accident Safety Hotline/Tip Line can now be accessed at 1-866-808-0875 any time of day or night.
Contact Information
Sara Payne Scarbro
304-558-2000