Industrial Danger and Death

The constant threat of mine accidents, explosions, and fatal injuries underscores the dehumanizing cost of coal production, with company negligence and disregard for safety leading to frequent tragedies.

The constant threat of mine accidents and the disregard for worker safety are central to the setting.

Hal's risk of being kicked by mules and the constant threat of injury in the mine.

The description of undercutting, powder blasts, and runaway cars highlights the constant peril faced by miners.

The ventilation problem in Number Two mine underscores the constant peril miners face.