President Trump has been a cheerleader for coal miners. But these miners say his administration is failing to enforce limits on a lethal workplace hazard
President Trump has been a cheerleader for coal miners. But these miners say his administration is failing to enforce limits on a lethal workplace hazard
Can someone explain to me why in 2025 people are still ending up with black lung? Don’t they wear respirators on the job to prevent inhalation of silica dust?
Over the past few years, mine owners cut on safety while Republicans blocked regulatory enforcement funding.
From what I’ve read, that has meant more time on the job, increasing potential exposure. But I still haven’t seen anything related to respirators. Do they not wear them? Are they not provided? Do they not work? Are workers not being washed down to prevent dust inhalation before leaving their shift?
They are probably a pain in the ass to wear and the company has no incentive to encourage/mandate use… because just protection people from getting terminal illness for profit isn’t a good enough reason…
Have you ever tried getting certain folks to wear a mask?
If you’re not going to wear a mask, then don’t come crying when you get sick. 🤷♂️
But seriously — is this why they are still getting black lung???
Dude it’s so fucking hard sometimes to stick to systemic analysis, these people make it so fucking hard. Like yes, there has been a steady growth in the number of black lung victims in recent years due to safety rollbacks by Republicans, lax training and ppe by business owners (supported by republicans), and in general a growing disregard for health and safety due to a variety of socioeconomic, educational factors, all brought about by Republicans.
But Jesus Christ, it’s 2025. We knew what caused black lung centuries ago. Like fuck antivaxxers, but at least there is active bullshit linking vaccines to autism. There is a lie to believe, even if its a lie. But these fuckheads thought, what, masks caused asthma? Coal has magic medicinal properties? Its so fucking stupid. No one sold you on black lung, you just fucking did that. How fucking stupid.
It should be the companies responsibility to keep the employees safe…I would suggest forced liability because companies can’t be bothered to care
Honestly don’t know, I was making a very timely covid related joke.
You mean a face diaper? Haw haw! *cough, hack*