Remembering The Farmington Mine Disaster [View all]

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Remembering The Farmington Mine Disaster
http://wvpubcast.org/post/remembering-farmington-mine-disaster

Appalachian History 8:41 am
Wed November 20, 2013

By Cecelia Mason

Today is the 45th anniversary of a mine explosion in Farmington, W.Va., that claimed the lives of 78 men. Time Trail, West Virginia, from the state Division of Culture and History, describes what happened that day.

Farmington Mine disaster
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Farmington_Mine_disaster

Aftermath

The Farmington disaster was a catalyst for the passage of major changes in the U.S. mining safety laws. One month after the Farmington disaster the U.S. Department of the Interior held a conference on mine safety. Stewart Udall's opening speech specifically referenced Farmington and concluded, "let me assure you, the people of this country no longer will accept the disgraceful health and safety record that has characterized this major industry."

As a result of the Farmington disaster, the United States Congress passed the 1969 Coal Mine Safety and Health Act which strengthened safety standards, increased Federal mine inspections, and gave coal miners specific safety and health rights.