West Virginia has announced a step its governor hopes will improve workplace safety for miners and employees in all industries.

In the wake of the Upper Big Branch Mine disaster that killed 29 workers, Gov. Joe Manchin announced the launch of the Mine and Industrial Accident Safety Hotline/Tip Line.

“I want all miners and workers from any other industry in West Virginia to feel empowered to report problems in the workplace without fear of retribution,” Manchin is quoted in a state press release. The governor says he wants more workers to become involved in strengthening workplace safety.

The West Virginia Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management will staff the hotline 24 hours a day. Callers can remain anonymous.

Manchin wanted an agency not affiliated with a regulatory body to receive the calls. The Homeland Security workers who will answer the hotline are trained to handle calls involving safety. Tips will be forwarded to the proper agency for investigation.

Do you think this hotline can help avoid future disasters like the one at the Upper Big Branch Mine? Let us know in the Comments Box below.

Tags: safety hotline, Upper Big Branch mine, West Virginia, workers killed