Coal Miners Workers Compensation

What is coal miners workers compensation?

In the Coal Mining Industry, heavy plant machinery is commonly used which can pose great risk to the health and safety of its workers. It is a labour intensive industry that can also cause a range of  industrial diseases. This is why coal miners workers compensation is so important, in an industry with so many inherent risks, it is important to have access to financial compensation to take care of you should you be impacted by a work-related injury or disease.

What types of accidents can occur in coal mines?

The range of accidents that can cause serious injury or illness in coal mines include: 

• Body stressing or musculoskeletal disorders. Coal mining requires a lot of physical labour and can result in back injuries from lifting heavy objects, sprains, strains, knee problems from kneeling and squatting in enclosed spaces, and shoulder and neck problems from working in awkward postures

• Slips, trips, and falls. Falls are common in mines due to low light in underground areas, pooled water after cleaning or rain, and cables and equipment creating a hazard in enclosed spaces

• Hearing loss. Working with loud noises, like blasting, jackhammers, and other equipment in closed spaces in coal mines can result in irreparable hearing loss. This can happen over time with extended exposure to constant noise, or instantaneously with a single loud blast

• Crushing injuries. Heavy machinery can be hazardous and with exposed moving parts or when the operator’s vigilance drops, can result in a range of crushing injuries from fingers to entire limbs. Crushing injuries can also occur when machinery rolls over or a roof caves in on workers

• Dust and chemical-related diseases. In the dusty enclosed space of a coal mine, it can be hard to avoid breathing in asbestos, coal, or silica, all of which can develop into serious industrial diseases over time with constant exposure. The chemicals used to process ore into other useable metals can also pose a risk to workers if they come in contact with the skin or eyes, resulting in burns or eye injuries

• Electrocution. In enclosed spaces where water and electricity come in contact with one another, like exposed, faulty wiring and pooled water, you are at increased risk of electrocution

• Mine collapse. The deeper a mine is the higher the chance it will collapse, resulting in crushing injuries and a high likelihood of death for potentially a large number of people. The risk of psychological injuries when a mine caves in is also very high

• Injuries caused by high-risk machinery. When machinery isn’t maintained or operated correctly it can result in a range of injuries, from limbs being crushed or caught in machinery, to electrocution from poorly maintained electrical equipment to lacerations, burns, and fractures caused by heavy and hot machinery