Mining Publication: Preventing Equipment Related Injuries in Underground U.S. Coal Mines

The five top priority hazards associated with underground coal mining equipment have been identified and information about potential contributing factors and controls collated. Consideration of these hazards as part of design risk assessments conducted by manufacturers, and operational risk assessments conducted by mine sites, has the potential to prompt implementation of effective control measures. Further information and tools to assist this process are available elsewhere (Burgess-Limerick, 2007). However, as Mark (2002) observed, effective control measures will only be implemented when current levels of risk are perceived to be unacceptable. The injury narratives revealed a tendency to accept current risk levels and focus on individual behavior and administrative controls rather than directing attention to elimination and design. This must change before significant reductions in injury risk are likely to occur.