By Tony McVeigh
Murray, KY – Since 1970, national coal production has increased 76-percent, but mining deaths have fallen by two-thirds in the last 18 years. So far this year, five miners have been killed in Kentucky. Johnny Green of the Kentucky Office of Mine Safety and Licensing says safety improvements and better training are paying off.
"Secretary Peters spoke Friday night at our KMI, Kentucky Mining Institute, banquet. He talked about a culture of safety. We have to have a culture of safety in our mines in Kentucky, and I've seen that grow. I've seen the new generation of miners that are coming on have this culture of safety."
At a news conference in Frankfort, Energy and Environment Secretary Len Peters read a gubernatorial proclamation declaring September as Kentucky Coal Miner Safety Month. The theme of the campaign is "Bring Them Home Safe!"