It’s All About Culture

MSHA has imposed a $10.8 million fine—the largest in agency history—based on its investigation into the April 2010 explosion at the Upper Big Branch-South Mine, which was operated by Performance Coal Co. (PCC), a subsidiary of Massey Energy Co. The explosion killed 29 miners and injured two, making it the worst U.S. coal mining disaster in 40 years. A recent report concludes that Massey's corporate culture was the root cause of the tragedy. Similar conclusions have been reached following investigations of tragic incidents involving NASA and BP operations. Read the MSHA report here.