hipower

I can see where the safety aspect of the union could be beneficial, especially if the company, or certain employees of the company, were committing unsafe acts, but a safety committee couldn't have prevented that collapse. I have a safety committee at my landfill, and we aren't union. You wouldn't believe the safety and HR training that I am required to attend every year. That's an operations issue, and ultimately the operations of a landfill are the call of the manager. If the operators were told to do something that was unsafe, and they knew it was unsafe, then maybe a committee would have helped. If the operators didn't know, nothing would have changed. It's not the responsibility of the operators to safely construct a landfill, that's not what they are paid to do. There are operations plans, fill sequences, that are designed by engineers that have to be followed. The engineers don't communicate with the employees, that's what I am paid to do

It could well be that a union would have protected the employees if they walked off, but highly doubtful that a union could have prevented that collapse. Does a union have any control over work practices? I don't know, I'm just not experienced with them. I know that people knew it was moving, but I don't know how scared they were. There was video, even after the collapse, of an operator riding a loader around the rim of the crater when someone called him down. I can't imagine that anyone actually thought the entire cell would collapse. Maybe they weren't scared, I just don't know.
Even without a union, there are anti-retaliation laws to protect employees. I would assume there is an HR department where employees can voice concerns anonymously. Our HR hotline number is posted beside the time clock. Unions are not big in the south, not because we run them out, but because as employers we try to provide a workplace where employees don't feel like they need them. OSHA has a whistleblower section on their website where you can voice concerns anonymously. It's not like these companies have total control over employees and can do anything they want, there are laws to protect them.

Let me put it this way, I'm the manager. If they feel unsafe, and I tell them to continue working, it's my fault if something happens...

I plead with the employees to make a stand over this. I know some of you guys are reading this thread, and the opportunity is slipping away. I'm just some guy on the internet, what I say goes only so far, and I can't say too much for fear of my job. You guys were there, you know what happened. This is not right. Decisions were made that led directly to that disaster, and even if Mr. Pierce's family gets a settlement for millions of dollars, where does that leave the rest of us? This isn't a local issue, this is a nationwide issue, and you guys are in the spotlight for a brief time. You guys could make some noise that would affect change for all of the rest of us. I understand why you don't speak up, I have mouths to feed, too, but what are you defending? Just Google "landfill slide". It's just a matter of time...

In DooBwa...

You are correct. However, the fine seems insufficient to dissuade others from such practice in the future.

I think Fed's point is that there will be a large financial consequence that no one will ever hear about, and sadly he is probably right. It will be settled for millions of dollars quietly, and nothing will change for our industry...

I know some are upset by it only being a $12k fine, but please remember that fine is only what is being paid to a government agency.  That is not intended to place a dollar value on the life lost.  Hopefully this will set a precedent so that it doesn't happen again and that Mr. Pierce's family is able to pursue a settlement that will allow them to at least be a little more comfortable while they attempt to heal their hearts from their tragic loss. 

The facts are that Congress controls OSHA fines and regulations. It doesn't matter if they are Rs or Ds. 
http://fortune.com/2015/05/04/employee-deaths-consequences/

You, along with 99 percent of the citizens in this country has no idea on what some of us do (or has done) in order to keep your life comfy.
 This deal got your attention. None of you knew about the 3 men who lost their lives working on a pipeline (keeping you warm and comfy) in Driftwood Pa.
  Nobody cared.
 
 I have old black and white pics of some of the accidents that killed guys my dad worked with. They also died supplying you all with your comfy.
 
Haul your trash to the curb, turn up your thermostat, we are out there making you comfy.

Thanks for all the insight landfill guy. You must be a good man to work for and with.

Just in the last week I've heard a lot of people talking about this, people that wouldn't normally know. Local inspectors, haulers, and operators. People are asking if regulations will change because of it. A lot of us hope they do. I think the whole industry is waiting for the results of the investigations

Overall great job Steve.  I am also experiencing the last post read bit on an intermittent basis.
An item I miss is the numbering of the posts in the threads.  I found it easier to refer to a post number at times, rather than quoting a previous post.  Usually when I read completely through a thread and then went back to find something I wanted to reply/respond to.  Would seem to be something that would save bandwidth especially when responding to posts that are rather long or include photos.  Certainly not a big deal, but just one of the little things that come to mind.

Its happened to me a couple times, but when I go back and check again, it seems to work. 
I'm trying to keep an eye on it

I was just joking. Lord knows no one in the debate forum ever had a reaction

I know I can carry on with some foolishness, but if there is anyone that still questions my motives here, I never want to call out over my radio "The landfill is gone". If you knew a landfill, you could watch that video and tell what caused that collapse. It's a battle I've been fighting for years. I never want to call a wife and tell her "Daddy ain't coming home"

Oh, I see what you are talking about now. You mean that iridescence. That is wonderful! The best blacks are very dark, and have a green shimmer to the feathers as adults. It's called "beetle green", and the more iridescence, the more flashy the birds look. I've never seen a chick that young showing that sheen already. You can send him back to me

If you can keep the pitbull out, you can keep predators out. Then again, if you have a pitbull you probably wouldn't have a predator problem

Groundhogs yes. Chipmunks are too teeny. Or is that what hubby refers to as "snakeshot?"

As I read this Thread I see Chipmunks as a problem. Put out sunflower seeds a bit away from your garden and then .........

I shall enjoy them from afar!

This is a picture of the Buttless Wonder in the midst of his sisters, I hope.
 

I finally had time to clean the kids romper room and fill the feeders.  They are going outside on Sunday!
 
This is a picture of some of your grandkids.  Hope they measure up!
 

$5,500 For sale is a 1969 Dodge D100 Pick Up. 6 Cylinder Automatic, Clean title in hand. Has newer power seats, power lift for tonneau cover, brand new tires. Very nice clean truck. Runs and drives, inspected until 9-17. Listing for a friend call 8149389724 and ask for Roy for details. NO TRADES!

That's the irony of life.  Even though we get older and supposedly smarter the bull $hit is still the same.