MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Texas company that struck methane in an abandoned West Virginia coal mine and triggered an explosion has paid more than $226,000 in safety fines over the past five years.

Each time, the original fine the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommended for Fort Worth-based Union Drilling Inc. was reduced.

OSHA has done 20 inspections of Union operations nationwide since February 2006.

Thirteen resulted in violations.

An OSHA spokeswoman couldn't comment on whether the violation rate is unusual for the industry but said the violations speak for themselves.

Union has not responded to repeated telephone messages or commented on Monday's blast near Moundsville, except to say it's cooperating with investigators.