Julie A. Su Secretary of Labor | Twitter Website
An upstate New York court has accepted a mine manager's guilty plea to manslaughter in the second degree for causing the death of a mine mechanic in Grafton. Anthony Valente, the mine manager at a Grafton limestone quarry, admitted to recklessly operating a crane that resulted in the death of 35-year-old mechanic Darren Miller. Valente agreed to a six-month jail sentence and five years of probation, with a reporting date to jail set for June 14, 2024.
Assistant Secretary for Mine Safety and Health, Chris Williamson, expressed, "Like every miner, Darren Miller had the right to go home at the end of the day, but Anthony Valente's reckless actions denied him that opportunity." Williamson emphasized the commitment of the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) to ensuring a safe workplace for miners.
Following an investigation into the incident at the R J Valente Grafton Quarry, MSHA found that Valente had overridden safety features on the crane, leading to the fatal accident involving Miller. The mining company, R J Valente Gravel, was cited for not removing the damaged crane from service and for failing to ensure Miller stayed clear of suspended loads during his work.
Solicitor of Labor, Seema Nanda, noted, "Tragically, this incident was completely preventable," highlighting the Department of Labor's determination to hold employers accountable for unsafe work practices. Rensselaer County Chief Assistant District Attorney Matthew B. Hauf, on behalf of the People of New York, appeared at the court proceeding, expressing satisfaction in holding Valente criminally responsible for Miller's death.
Rensselaer County District Attorney Mary Pat Donnelly emphasized the importance of maintaining safe conditions in the mining industry, stating, "This case should serve as a reminder to those who profit from the mining industry that a failure to maintain safe conditions for all employees may result in criminal prosecution."
