Mining Publication: Coal Mine Safety Achievements in the USA and the Contribution of NIOSH Research
Original creation date: September 2006
Over the past century coal miner safety and health has seen tremendous improvements, the fatality and injury rates continue to decrease while productivity continues to increase. Many of the hazards that plagued miners in the past, such as coal bumps, methane and coal dust explosions, ground fall accidents and health issues have been significantly reduced. The contribution of NIOSH research includes products for prevention and survival of mine fires, methane control measures, design procedure for underground coal mines, methods for excavation surface controls, methods and procedures for blasting, laser usage in underground mines and prevention of electrocution from overhead power lines that have reduced accidents and injuries in underground coal mines. Health research has produced products such as the personal dust monitor, noise abating technologies and ergonomic solutions for equipment operators. Research priorities at NIOSH are set by considering surveillance statistics, stakeholder inputs and loss control principles. Future research in coal mining is directed towards respiratory diseases, noise induced hearing loss, repetitive musculoskeletal injuries, traumatic injuries, falls of ground and mine disasters. The recent spate of accidents in coal mines resulted in the Miner Act of 2006 which includes a specific role for NIOSH in future mine safety research and development. The mine safety achievements in the USA reflect the commitment of industry, labour, government and research organizations to improving the safety of the mine worker.
Authors: GS Esterhuizen, RG Gurtunca
Conference Paper - September 2006
NIOSHTIC2 Number: 20031132
Mining Achievements, Records and Benchmarks, Johannesburg, South Africa, September 13-15, 2006. Marshalltown, South Africa: South African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, 2006 Sep; :1-15
See Also
- Passive Fiber Optic System for Locating, Tracking, and Communicating with Personnel in Coal Mines
- Preventing Equipment Related Injuries in Underground U.S. Coal Mines
- Proceedings: New Technology for Ground Control in Retreat Mining
- Recent Developments in Coal Mining Safety in the United States
- Recent National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Research Using Ground Penetrating Radar for Detection of Mine Voids
- Refuge Alternatives in Underground Coal Mines
- Remote Methane Sensors
- Training for Safety in Emergencies Inoculating for Underground Coal Mine Emergencies
- Update on Refuge Alternatives: Research, Recommendations, and Underground Deployment
- Wireless Mesh Mine Communication System
- Page last reviewed: 9/21/2012
- Page last updated: 9/21/2012
- Content source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Mining Program