To help strive for zero accidents, workers are often given jackets, shirts or other rewards.

One company in the area went six months without any accidents. When asked what the union wanted as a reward, each stated they wanted their salary to go to the Salvation Army for the Katrina victims and wanted the company to match that cost.

Times are difficult and challenging for the local workforce. We need to celebrate them.

It is vital that accurate information on workers underground are available if mine accidents occur so rescue teams can immediately ascertain who is trapped underground, who has been saved and in what sectors of the mine people are still trapped. Rescue teams can waste valuable time in finding out who is trapped underground or by looking for people who have already been brought to the surface.

I'm not big on flak jackets and tie-dyed shirts. You know, that's not me.

A shoulder pad on T-shirts, in sweaters, in shirts, in jackets, in everything. It's not a huge overwhelming pad, but it's a very defined shoulder.