WORKINGS JWR Has Safest Quarter Ever

April 2005
JWR HAS SAFEST QUARTER EVER
This banner greets each employee at No. 4 Mine's cage.

Randy "Macho" Gilbert enjoyed a catfish dinner provided to all employees of No. 4, No. 5 and No. 7 Mines as well as the Central Shop and Supply. The meals were part of the celebration of JWR's safest quarter ever. There were only three lost time accidents during the January - March 2005 quarter throughout all of JWR. This resulted in a .8 incident rate compared to the national industry rate of 5.9. JWR's previous best results for a quarter were nine lost time accidents.

Randy, a 25 year veteran of JWR and No. 4 Mine Evening Shift Outby Electrician, said he appreciated the great food and JWR's safety efforts. "JWR has the greatest safety program right now in all of my years here," said Randy. "They have made a lot of changes to make sure we get in and out of the mine safely everyday. There's no doubt this program saves lives." As Randy surveyed the green hats eating lunch he made this comment, "Strains and sprains are our biggest injury. I want all of our new employees to know working in the mines is like climbing a mountain. You have to always watch your footing."

Randy worked for Black Diamond Coal before coming to JWR. Prior to that he worked for Griffin Wheel and served in the U.S. Army. He received his nickname "Macho" from an incident underground in the early 80s. Suffice it to say his name was given to him in honor of a popular wrestling star of the day, Randy Savage. Randy Gilbert says he will be retiring in January 2006 and plans on fishing and continuing to refurbish houses to sell.