16 Tons - The Battle of Blair Mountain and a discussion on workers rights

Hello there,   16 Tons by Johnny Cash June 1, 1987 - If every there was a man that stood up for the little guy it was the Man in Black himself, Johnny Cash.   The Battle of Blair Mountain - HISTORY The Battle of Blair Mountain - HISTORY - here is a link to the article featured in this episode. Having been raised in a construction family and eventually pursuing a career in the electrical industry, I am not a stranger to unsafe work environments. 30 years ago when I was first starting out the construction industry, safety was not as high a priority as production. I recall being in so very sketchy situations but I was a very young and naive teenager with a go-get'em work ethic so I just did what everyone else was doing. Especially when deadlines were fast approaching, it seemed like safety was not even a consideration. But as the years passed the construction industry has made great advances in the prioritizing of the workers safety. Many companies have entire safety divisions and regular safety training with their employees. The problem becomes when management says one thing but expects the opposite. And that is still the case today and appears to be one of the issues with the Amazon warehouse in Alabama. While working conditions from the 1920s was much more hazardous to the workers, there are still working conditions today that may not be as dangerous a mining but still takes a toll on the workers physical, emotional, and mental conditions. Repetitive movements, lifting, stacking, sorting, extreme temperatures, exposure to the elements, and the list goes on.   If you are experiencing unsafe conditions at your workplace, talk to your supervisor. Complaining to your fellow employees will mostly just frustrate you. So take it up with those that are in charge. If your direct supervisor doesn't seem too concerned, take it to his superior. If that doesn't work, check with your state employment agency.  Here in Texas that is the TWC or Texas Workforce Commission. Every state should have one.  And if the conditions are so bad and safety is blatantly ignored by your employer, contact OSHA. Your safety is important. Thank you for listening and make it a great day. Cheers.  Home | Occupational Safety and Health Administration (osha.gov) Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) | Protecting Miners' Safety and Health Since 1978 Microplastics revealed in the placentas of unborn babies | Plastics | The Guardian Fracking Chemicals in children Let me know what you think about this or any other episode:  Check out my Instagram https://www.instagram.com/mzhammer523/  Send an email to [email protected]  Check out www.safesmokesummit2020.com for cannabis news and recommended products.  If you are feeling overwhelmed or sad or just need someone to talk to please reach out to one of the following:  BetterHelp | Professional Counseling With A Licensed Therapist -  The Trevor Project — Saving Young LGBTQ Lives 24/7 365 help for LGBTQ youths Suicide Prevention Lifeline - 1-800-273-8255 You matter. You are important. Stay safe.