Two-Month Nightmare for the Miners and Their Families

What started out as a typical day for 33 miners in Copiapó, Chile soon became a two-month long nightmare for both the miners and their families. On August 5, 2010 the 33 miners became trapped when a gold and copper mine caved in ("Chile Mining Accident (2010)", 2015). The workers were about 2,300 feet below the surface. For over two weeks no one knew whether or not any of the miners had survived. Nevertheless, a message came from below-ensuring rescuers the miners had in fact survived. An audiovisual camera took images of the miners, showing all were seemingly in good condition (“Chile Mining Accident (2010)”, 2015).

Reports implied that air circulation shafts had subsisted the mine’s downfall. The beams allowed adequate fresh air to spread to the cavity where the miners were entombed. They used hefty gear to supply light and charge the batteries of their headlamps. The miners also downed water from storage tanks to live. The miners did not have much in food supplies. However, rescue crews were able to pass down tubes that held nutrients that helped nourish the miners.

Two agonizing months later, on October 9, 2010, a larger drill cracked through to the miners. It produced a gap that rescue workers were able to use to lift the miners up one at a time. A few days later, journalists, medical workers, mechanics and mining experts, along with family members gathered for the rescue.

According to lawmakers, the mine known as San José has had a previous accidents and was enforced to shut down for a short time to make safety enhancements. However, the owners of the mine did not make these enhancements. On October 12, the first rescue worker went underground to the miners. Later that evening, the first miner ascended to the surface. Upon surfacing from the capsule, miners were welcomed by family and rescue workers before receiving medical treatment.

Potential Needs of Miners’ Families

The potential needs of the miners’ families would be to have immediate confirmation of whether or not there were any survivors when the mine collapsed. Although it would be hard to hear that no one survived, it would be most likely be more agonizing not to know. Some people say no news is good news. However, in situations like this it is best know everything as soon as possible so that everyone involved can figure out how to best handle things. The miners’ families also need to know that rescue workers are doing everything possible to get down to the mine and free the miners.

Potential needs of the Company’s Employees When Receiving the Message

The likely needs of the employees of the company when receiving the message would be somewhat similar to the family members. They would also need to know that everything that can be done is being done to ensure that there are any survivors. They would also