Feature Stories
Real Life Mining Stories With Leadership Lessons: Leaders Focus on Small and Large Safety Rules
March 7, 2012
One day while in the coal mine, we were forced to evacuate due to a mine fire. Later, we learned that a track haulage motor while carrying a piece of equipment had gotten caught against a piece of live trolley
Real Life Mining Stories With Leadership Lessons: Leaders Improve Culture Through Dialogue
February 15, 2012
In the 1970s, “greasing” is a well-documented and nasty ritual in the underground coal mining culture involving veteran and new miners. In most cases, greasings happened at the end of the shift when the men were preparing to leave the
Real Life Mining Stories With Leadership Lessons: Tips to Resolve Conflicts at Work
January 27, 2012
When I was a member of the United Mine Workers of America, I believed it was my duty and in my personal interest to understand the contract inside out. I read it over and over again and soon felt I
Real Life Mining Stories With Leadership Lessons: Respectful Communication Builds Workplace Trust
January 11, 2012
I once had a supervisor who seemed to mistrust everyone on the crew. He was not totally without cause since the mechanic made fun of him at every opportunity. One week I was sick but still worked everyday. However, I
Draeger Safety Equipment Has Evolved in Pittsburgh Pa. for 100 Years
January 6, 2012
The name Draeger isn’t as well known to Pittsburghers as the storied Heinz or Mellon names. Yet for almost as long as the ketchup and banking titans have been fixtures in the region, the German company has been an intimate
New Technology Makes Mines Safer
December 29, 2011
In the earliest days of coal mining, when a working lamp and a canary were the best safety tools available to the men who entered the dark underground shafts, it was common knowledge that many would never return. “When you
Real Life Mining Stories With Leadership Lessons:Goal Setting and Perseverence Led to Success
December 27, 2011
When I worked in the coal mine in the mid-1970s, I was also pursuing my undergraduate degree, taking two courses a quarter at the Eastern Campus of Ohio University in St. Clairsville. I was on shift work and taking classes
Real Life Mining Stories: Attention to Safety is Part of Being a Responsible Leader
December 14, 2011
Roof falls, which often occur during the process of mining, were the source of the majority of coal mine accident and fatalities in the 1970s and 1980s. When you have tons of stone above your head, from time to time
Real Life Mining Stories With Leadership Lessons: New Leaders Need to Transition Smoothly
November 30, 2011
In today’s fast paced work environment, leaders transition frequently between organizational roles, company sites, and even among companies. How the leader deals with these transitions predicts the success or failure of the team. I have seen a number of new
Real Life Mining Stories With Leadership Lessons: Good Leaders Use Effective Delegation Techniques
November 15, 2011
In my first month as a coal miner, there were many learning opportunities. After I had worked in the mines for one month, I was offered the opportunity to work a weekend shift for time and a half pay. Since
