Mining Publication: Coal Operator Mining Facts - 2002

In 2002, a total of 2,065 coal mining operations reported employment to the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA). Coal mines comprised 14.2% of all mining operations. A total of 74,559 employees, corresponding to 78,601 full-time equivalent (FTE) employees, were reported by coal mine operators to MSHA. This represents a 2.8% decrease in FTE employees from 2001. Twenty (20) work-related fatalities occurred among coal operator employees in 2002, compared to 36 in 2001. There were 3,877 nonfatal lost-time injuries among coal operator employees occurring at a rate of 4.9 injuries per 100 FTE employees. These injuries resulted in 228,616 days lost from work (median = 26). In 2002, 431 cases of occupational illness were reported to MSHA for coal operator employees.