Mining Publication: Preventing Equipment Related Injuries in Underground U.S. Coal Mines
Original creation date: October 2007
The five top priority hazards associated with underground coal mining equipment have been identified and information about potential contributing factors and controls collated. Consideration of these hazards as part of design risk assessments conducted by manufacturers, and operational risk assessments conducted by mine sites, has the potential to prompt implementation of effective control measures. Further information and tools to assist this process are available elsewhere (Burgess-Limerick, 2007). However, as Mark (2002) observed, effective control measures will only be implemented when current levels of risk are perceived to be unacceptable. The injury narratives revealed a tendency to accept current risk levels and focus on individual behavior and administrative controls rather than directing attention to elimination and design. This must change before significant reductions in injury risk are likely to occur.
Authors: R Burgess-Limerick, LJ Steiner
Peer Reviewed Journal Article - October 2007
NIOSHTIC2 Number: 20032719
Min Eng 2007 Oct; 59 (10):20-32
See Also
- Analysis of Practical Ground Control Issues in Highwall Mining
- Coal Mine Safety Achievements in the USA and the Contribution of NIOSH Research
- Multiple-Seam Mining in the United States: Design Based on Case Histories
- Peak Methane Concentrations During Coal Mining: An Analysis
- Pillar Mechanics of Coal Mine Bursts: A Control Strategy
- Possible Impact of New Safety Technology Developments on the Future of the United States Mining Industry
- SPONCOM - A Computer Program for the Prediction of the Spontaneous Combustion Potential of an Underground Coal Mine
- Technology News 545 - NIOSH Updates Spontaneous Combustion Assessment Software
- Training for Safety in Emergencies Inoculating for Underground Coal Mine Emergencies
- Using Fault-Tree Analysis To Focus Mine Safety Research
- Content source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Mining Program