Consol’s Wiley mine in Mingo County, West Virginia has earned its third consecutive R.E. Bailey Safety Award as its 50 employees achieved a milestone in safety by working another million hours without a lost-time accident. The stellar safety record has its origins 25 years ago in December 1986 when the last lost-time accident occurred at Wiley. With the million hours achieved March 24, 2011, the hours worked without a lost-time accident now total three million.

“One million hours is a milestone in anyone’s book. Three million hours is even more commendable, and a reflection of the continuing commitment to safety which our Wiley employees clearly demonstrate,” said Jimmy Brock, Consol Energy Chief Operating Officer – coal.

Seven members of the Wiley workforce of 50 have been a part of the workforce since 1986.

“No matter what the weather or mining conditions, the attention Wiley employees pay to safety is second to none,” said Miller Creek Superintendent Keith Bartley. “The work force at Wiley demonstrates dedication to safety by being observant and working safely every day. It’s about focus. It’s about communication.”

Wiley Surface Mine is part of the Miller Creek Complex operated byConsol Energy’s Consol of Kentucky subsidiary. In September 1991, the mine marked its first million hours worked without a lost-time accident. The second million hours was recorded in 2001.

CONSOL Energy’s R.E. Bailey Safety Award was established in 1977 to recognise operations recording one million hours without a lost-time accident. The Wiley Surface mine is the last Consol Energy mine to earn the award which has since been retired and replaced by the J. Brett Harvey Safety Award.

“This achievement by Wiley Surface Mine employees is proof positive of their attention to our core value of safety,” said Jack Richardson, Vice President of Central Appalachia operations. “I applaud their commitment to safety and urge them to continue to stay focused on the importance of making safety number one each and every day.”

Wiley Surface Mine produces steam coal. In calendar year 2010, the mine produced over 550,000 t. The coal is trucked to the Miller Creek Preparation Plant, where it is processed and shipped to customers.

A small celebration to mark the milestone was held for Wiley employees, with planning underway for a larger celebration with family members to be held in May.