54 Coal Industry Firms Recognized for Commitment to Workplace Safety

Catenary Coal Co. Samples Mine wins the Barton B. Lay Milestones of Safety Award

CHARLESTON -- Mine safety is a central focus of West Virginia’s coal industry. At Thursday’s session of the 42nd Annual West Virginia Mining Symposium in Charleston, 54 mining and service companies were recognized for their commitment to exemplary safety performance in 2014.

Topping the list of award winners was Catenary Coal Company’s Sample Mine, which took home the Barton B. Lay Milestones of Safety Award.

“Our member companies strive each day to provide their employees with the safest possibly workplace,” said Chris Hamilton, senior vice president of the West Virginia Coal Association. “They have set a standard with their focus on reducing workplace injuries and getting everyone home at the end of their shifts. We applaud their hard work and dedication to this, our most important responsibility.”

The Mountaineer Guardian Awards are presented each year to mining companies that have demonstrated a commitment to safety standards. Inspectors for the West Virginia Office of Mine Health Safety and Training nominate the companies based on numerous criteria.

The Eustace Frederick Award will be presented at a later date.

Full List of Mountaineer Guardian Award Winners:

Barton B. Lay Milestones of Safety Award
Surface Mines
Catenary Coal Company, Samples Mine, Kanawha County

Independent Contractor
Walker Machinery, Statewide

Underground

Surface

Preparation Plant

Quarries

Contractors