NCJ Number
122661
Date Published
1989
Length
15 pages
Annotation
The failure to prosecute officials of a mining corporation following the methane gas explosion at the Appin coal mine in New South Wales, Australia in 1979 was part of a general pattern of nonenforcement of safety regulations.
Abstract
The explosion killed 14 workers. Subsequent investigations revealed many violations of safety regulations and generally negligent management attitudes. The events also showed that safety inspectors have been gradually co-opted to company viewpoints, seriously undermining their capacity to enforce the law. The lack of prosecutions directed against company officials contrasted with management's willingness to prosecutor workers for offenses such as riding on coal conveyor belts. These prosecutions indicate an industry attitude that the workers rather than the companies are really responsible to observe safety regulations. Unfortunately, the government shares management's attitudes. However, regulatory changes have occurred starting in 1982. Reference notes.