Mining Publication: Coal Operator Mining Facts - 2003

In 2003, a total of 1,972 coal mining operations reported employment to the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA). Coal mines comprised 13.7% of all mining operations. A total of 70,241 employees, corresponding to 75,425 full-time equivalent (FTE) employees, were reported by coal mine operators to MSHA. This represents a 4.0% decrease in FTE employees from 2002. Twenty-two work-related fatalities occurred among coal operator employees in 2003, compared to 20 in 2002. There were 3,322 nonfatal lost-time injuries among coal operator employees occurring at a rate of 4.4 injuries per 100 FTE employees. These injuries resulted in 233,388 days lost from work (median = 31), comprising nearly 50% of days lost among all mining sectors. In 2003, 323 cases of occupational illness were reported to MSHA for coal operator employees.