Communications to the Families and Mine Workers

Communications to the Families and Mine Workers

When dealing with a tragedy such as the incident that took place with the Chilean Miners, it is important to take into consideration the audience that will receive the message. The needs of the family are much different from the needs of the mine employees. Addressing the family takes a delicate, yet straightforward approach. The sender will want to be positive when delivering the message, and at the same time, as honest regarding the miner's situation. The message sent to reassure and not alarm the families. The message delivered to mine employees does not have to be as delicate as the one delivered to the miners families. The workers would need to know the probability of the 33 workers ability to get out alive, an honest assessment to the food and water situation, and by what means will the miners be rescued. The message would get delivered face-to-face and no other way. Face-to-face would be the best approach when delivering information when people's lives are at stake. Delivering this type of message via e-mail, video or menu is too detached, and does not show compassion for the families, or the employees who may have a relationship with these trapped miners.

Announcement to the Families

On August 5th, 2011, 33 Chilean miners have been trapped in the San Jose copper mine owned by Minera San Esteban (Weik, 2010). Authorities have not confirmed any fatalities of any of the 33 workers. The works are at a depth of about 2, 300 feet below ground (Webley, 2010). The temperature of the mine is 90 F. Plans for their safe return are in discussion. One plan involves drilling a shaft, but we have to determine what would be the safest route to get to the miners. The shaft will allow provisions for food and water to sustain them until the rescue. We are positive that the shaft will enable us to communicate with the miners, and gain status on their current condition. The government has already taken immediate action with money to aid in the rescue (Nelson, 2010). We will send out updates on family members as we confirm any new information.

Announcement to Mine Workers

Today thirty-three members of our work family have been trapped in the copper mine with a depth of about 2, 300 feet below ground vertically. The current temperature is 90 F. We are unable at this time confirm the safety of the miners. We have several plans for drilling a shaft to rescue the workers, but have not taken any action, and have little information on the amount of oxygen. The hope is that the miners will be able to reach other chambers for oxygen. The food and water supply of the miners is not yet known. We plan to use the shaft to deliver supplies to the workers and as a form of communication to meet their needs as they await rescue. This rescue could take up to four months (SIEMASZKO,