Starting A Job In The Coal Mining Industry? Know The On-The-Job Injuries You Face
If you work in the coal mining industry, you're at risk for a variety of injuries. In 2010, there were over 5,000 work-related injuries in the coal mining industry. There were also 70 fatalities among coal miners both underground and on the surface. Because of those statistics, you should know the types of injuries you face when working in the coal mines. Here are four potential work-related injuries you're at risk for.
Burns
If you're working in the coal mines, you're at an increased risk for burn-related injuries. Coal mining burns can come from a variety of sources. Some burns result from methane gas flareups. Or, they may come from chemical fires. Oxygen is another cause of coal mining fires. Coal is combustible. When it comes in contact with oxygen, it can ignite. This is especially true deep inside the coal mines. Regardless of the cause, burns pose a serious risk inside coal mines.
Collapses
If you work in the coal mines, you need to watch for collapses. Mining collapses are the cause of a lot of work-related injuries in the coal mining industry. Collapses can occur throughout the mine. They can include wall and roof collapses. Coal stockpiles also cause collapses. Those happen when the underground coal piles aren't processed the right way. Roof and wall collapses can occur when safety measures aren't followed in the mines. Unfortunately, collapses can have deadly consequences.
Explosions
If you work in the mining industry long enough, you may encounter an explosion. Explosions can cause serious injuries. Coal mine explosions occur as a result of a couple of issues. First, methane gas builds up in the mine. Unfortunately, methane gas is flammable. It's also very explosive. Once methane gas builds up, the risk for explosion increases. Blasts are another cause of mining explosions. Misfires and premature blasts can cause serious injuries to miners in the area.
Electrocutions
Finally, if you work in the coal mines, electricity poses a serious risk. In fact, electrocutions are common work-related injuries in the mining industry. Electrocutions can cause a variety of injuries. Some of them may leave you with a tingling sensation in your extremities. More serious electrocutions can cause ruptured eardrums and burns. Those burns can occur inside or outside your body. Electrocutions can also be fatal.
Don't take chances. Be aware of the injuries you face now that you work in the coal mining industry. If you've suffered on-the-job injuries, contact a coal miner attorney right away.