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After 29 miners were killed on April 5, in the worst mining accident in over 40 years, the West Virginia government has taken steps towards attempting to improve and better monitor workplace safety. Governor Joe Manchin announced over the weekend that the state would create a 24-hour hotline, staffed by the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. The hotline is intended to serve as a safe place for employees to report workplace safety concerns, especially for those who feel there is no avenue or support structure in which to speak up at their own workplaces. Calls may even be kept anonymous if the caller desires. The new hotline will be an addition to an already existing branch, which takes calls reporting mining and industrial accidents. Governor Manchin says of the hotline that he wishes all West Virginia employees to feel "empowered" by having a place to report to.