NIOSHTIC-2 No. 20032719


Preventing Equipment Related Injuries in Underground U.S. Coal Mines

October 2007

Publication first page
Document cover page
Click the image to enlarge

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 manfacturers, 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.

Author(s):Burgess-Limerick-R, Steiner-LJ
Reference:Min Eng 2007 Oct; 59 (10):20-32

   perii (PDF, 1393 KB)


A link above requires the Adobe Acrobat® Reader.
You can download a reader for free from Adobe through our Accessibility/Tools page.
Get Adobe Reader
Page last updated: September 17, 2008
Content Source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Mining Division