If you don't wear a mask, don't think about it!

“Stop, stop!” On June 1st, at the fully excavated section of the dark inclined shaft at Zhangji Coal Mine under Shandong Fengyuan Group Co., Ltd., Liu Zheng, a deputy driver of the comprehensive excavation machine, was seen without a dust mask. When it was time to start the tunneling machine, Captain Yao Germany, who had just arrived for an on-site safety inspection, quickly intervened and stopped Liu Zheng from proceeding.

“Oh, Captain Yao, am I doing something wrong?” Liu Zheng, who worked alongside Yao Germany that day and was familiar with him, joked in response.

However, seeing Liu Zheng’s casual attitude, Yao Germany became serious and asked, “Why didn’t you wear your dust mask?”

“It’s too troublesome,” Liu Zheng replied, still trying to keep things light. But his joke fell flat.

“Troublesome? You don’t need to do this kind of thing,” Yao Germany raised his voice, clearly not amused. He was known for being strict when it came to safety protocols.

Liu Zheng, realizing that Yao Germany wasn’t joking, grew more serious. He knew that once Yao got into work mode, there was no turning back. So he tried to explain: “I just played a joke. In fact, I usually wear my mask when I go down. Today, I was in a hurry and forgot to take one from my locker. It’s just a small area, and a little dust won’t make me sick.”

“I know that missing a mask once or twice won’t cause occupational diseases, but the mine has strict rules—no protective gear, no entry. You need to go get your mask first and come back before you can start working again,” Yao Germany insisted firmly.

Liu Zheng hesitated. He thought going up for the mask would cost him more than an hour, and the team's digging task might be delayed. Still, he tried one last time. “Can I just wear it now?” he whispered.

“Liu Zheng, don’t you understand? This is against the rules. I’m stopping you right now,” Yao Germany said, unshaken.

Knowing that arguing wouldn’t help, Liu Zheng reluctantly went up to retrieve his mask.

Afterward, Liu Zheng didn’t finish his shift’s excavation footage. Yao Germany reported the incident to Min Hua, the deputy chief engineer of mine safety and head of the safety supervision department. A strict warning was issued, and the team was informed that any violations would result in a one-hour penalty during the next shift.

“Employees’ health must be our top priority,” Min Hua explained. “The mine has now emphasized the principle of ‘double respect for safety and health,’ ensuring equal attention is given to both the prevention of occupational hazards and the prevention of accidents. We are implementing these measures strictly.”