What happened at Westray?

On May 9, 1992, just eight months after opening with federal and provincial government support, an underground methane explosion killed all 26 miners working in the Westray coal mine.

Who was at fault for the Westray disaster?

The RCMP announced charges of manslaughter and criminal negligence causing death against Curragh Resources Inc., and former mine managers Gerald Phillips and Roger Parry. The more than 100 people in attendance — many families of the 26 miners killed — responded with a standing ovation.

What was the main issue identified in the Westray coal mine disaster of 1992?

On October 5, 1992, Westray Coal and four of its managers were charged with 52 non-criminal counts of operating an unsafe mine under the Nova Scotia Occupational Health and Safety Act by the Nova Scotia Department of Labour.

What was the biggest mining disaster?

The Monongah Mining Disaster was the worst mining accident of American history; 362 workers were killed in an underground explosion on December 6, 1907 in Monongah, West Virginia.

How many miners were pulled alive from the Springhill Mining Disaster?

The miracle miners of Springhill 29, 1958, six days after the bump, rescuers hear voices through the coal. Twelve miners are discovered alive.

What has changed in the Criminal Code of Canada as a result of the Westray mine disaster?

Changes due to the Westray bill have increased the maximum fine on an organization for a summary conviction offence (less serious offences where individuals could face up to six months in jail and or a $2000 fine) from $25,000 to $100,000. The more serious offences have no limit.

How did Westray change laws around worker safety?

The Westray bill or Bill C-45 was federal legislation that amended the Canadian Criminal Code and became law on March 31, 2004. The Bill (introduced in 2003) established new legal duties for workplace health and safety, and imposed serious penalties for violations that result in injuries or death.

What is the Westray Bill?

Commonly referred to as the Westray Law, former Bill C-45, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (criminal liability of organizations), came into force on March 31, 2004. It modernized the criminal law’s approach for establishing the criminal liability of corporations for workplace deaths and injuries.

Is mining a man made disaster?

Man-made disasters can include hazardous material spills, fires, groundwater contamination, transportation accidents, structure failures, mining accidents, explosions and acts of terrorism.

What caused the Springhill Mine Disaster?

The 1956 explosion occurred on November 1, 1956, when a mine train hauling a load of fine coal dust up to the surface of the 25-year-old Number 4 colliery to remove it from the pithead encountered a heavy flow of ventilation air being forced down the shaft by surface fans.