U.S. Officials Probe Whether Massey Was Warned of Mine Safety Inspections

The head of the federal Mine Safety and Health Administration says investigators are looking into allegations that Massey Energy illegally warns workers when safety inspectors arrive.

Relatives and colleagues of 29 miners killed in a West Virginia mine in the nation’s worst coal mining disaster in 40 years made the allegations Monday before the U.S. House Education and Labor Committee in Beckley.

Such warnings would violate of federal mining regulations, and MSHA chief Joe Main says it’s being evaluated as a potential crime by another federal agency.

The Justice Department has confirmed that it’s investigating possible crimes connected to the Upper Big Branch explosion.

On Monday, Massey reiterated earlier statements that it doesn’t put profits ahead of safety.