What has contributed to the decline of accidents in the mining industry?
The inherent hazards of mining have promoted systematic efforts toward reduction of the number and severity of accidents. The continuing drive toward improvement in mine safety was guided by the Unites States Bureau of Mines from its establishment in 1910 (until 1973 when the Mining Enforcement and Safety Administration (MESA) (now the Mine Safety and Health Administration) was established to enforce the provisions of the Federal Metal and Nonmetallic Mini Safety act of 1966 and the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act of 1969.
Regular inspection, and the support of manufacturer of mining equipment and supplies, have contribute substantially to the improvement in mine safety. Na tional Safety Competitions sponsored and conducted annually by the federal government have stimulates interest in safety. This program has accorded national recognition to operating mines that have achieve outstanding safety records.
First Aid and Accident Prevention training have proven their value. These courses are vital to competent use of equipment for safety and mine rescue work.
Nearly all mining companies require the use of safety goggles and safety shoes at all times, and respirators when working in dusty conditions. |
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The training courses are essential to an understanding of the more complicated safety equipment such as that used for entering gassy areas or in fighting underground fires. Of equal importance is the training these courses provide in how to assist injured individuals by first aid until medical aid can be obtained.
Safety training in mining has come a long way in making the mining industry safer. Operating personnel have grown to recognize the acute importance of safety training and an adequate accident prevention program. Both labor and management share the never-ending responsibility for making further strides in improving mine safety. Most mining operations have safety departments and safety training directed by a safety engineer.
What about abandoned mine safety?
Mining has a long history, and in many places it was among the first activities engaged in by pioneers and incoming settlers. Mining usually operated subject to the laws and customs of the time. Laws and mining practices changed over time, reflecting society's concern with safety and the environment. Nevertheless, in the last two hundred years extensive mining has taken place in North America, and hundreds of mines have been abandoned without adequate reclamation. Some operations went bankrupt; in other instances appropriate laws were lacking, or enforcement was lax or nonexistent. These abandoned historic mine sites present many hazards to curious visitors. Among the dangers present are the possibilities of caving shafts, stopes, and highwalls; old, and unstable explosives; lethal gases and lack of oxygen; deep pools of water, rotten timbers used in ladders and roof supports; and, in some places, dangerous animals such as poisonous snakes. Government agencies and private mining companies are working together to reduce the hazards of historic mining sites.
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