3.2.5 Case Study II: Manalapan Mining in Harlan County

Manalapan Mining operated an underground coal mine in Harlan County, Kentucky, USA, in which roof-bolter Mackie Bailey recognized workplace hazards. He reported to supervisors that, in one section of the mine, the safety support bar did not reach the roof. Unsupported rocks could therefore fall on the miners below. One day after the discovery, a miner was fatally hit by a rock that collapsed on him in the mine. Bailey escalated from internal to external channels and reported the hazards to the Kentucky Office of Mine Safety and Licensing. Federal prosecution took over the case, and the company as well as three supervisors were indicted. Bailey himself faced charges, as he was part of the violation he reported. However, given the value of the information and the wrong incentives for other potential whistleblowers, he did not receive a penalty. Although there was one casualty, whistleblowing prevented further harm in this case, at the same time showing to what degree the protection of whistleblowers is essential for the effectiveness of reporting systems (Estep, 2013).