The New York Times had a revealing article late last week comparing mining practices at Massey Energy’s Upper Big Branch mine to other mines in the area – in particular, the TECO Coal Corporation’s E3-1. The differences in company culture and practices are stunning, and the big picture drives home the point that Massey Energy’s negligence almost amounts to homicide.

Though Don Blankenship, CEO of Massey, has made his lack of concern for safety well known, it’s worth digging a bit deeper into Massey’s corporate structure to see where else responsibility might lie.