OHIO Bill in House aims to update mining laws

COLUMBUS -- State Rep. Charles Blasdel of East Liverpool, R-1st, has introduced a bill in the Ohio House to modernize the current statutes governing the state's coal industry and to improve the safety of its workers.
The "Coal Safety and Modernization Act" would increase the safety standards for mining operations, said Blasdel, the House speaker pro tempore. State Sen. John Carey of Wellston, R-17th, introduced an identical bill in the Senate.
The bill would provide a monitoring system to alert miners in case of a fire, a provision to require additional oxygen storage underground in case of an accident, and a requisite for additional fire safety training.
Blasdel also wants a tax credit for coal companies to help with the cost of the new equipment.
"Safety is certainly a top concern for our miners ... and we need to make sure that our workers have the tools and the training they need for a safe work environment," Blasdel said.