West Virginia’s largest industry is mining. The state’s miners earn much more than any other occupation, and they are highly skilled. Mining is one of the most hazardous professions, as accidents can cause serious injuries and even death to those who are caught in the middle.
Coal mining is the most dangerous form of mining in West Virginia.
The coal mines in West Virginia produce the most energy.
The dangers of coal mining are significant.
Families in West Virginia have worked in coal mines for generations, despite the inherent hazards of the work. Even those who have been injured at work often return to work once they have recovered.
There are many dangers associated with coal mining, including Black Lung Disease, silicosis, and hearing loss, which can affect miners over the course of their careers. These conditions are often not diagnosed until after a person retires from their job and is usually over 50 years old.
Canaries were used to detect toxic gases in coal mines before sophisticated multi-gas detection devices became common. Miners would carry canaries with them into the mines to monitor the presence of carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and hydrogen sulfide. If the canaries suddenly died, miners would leave immediately. However, with the availability of advanced gas detection devices, canaries are no longer necessary.
Coal mines, being located in softer sedimentary rocks, have a greater risk of ground falls and collapses. Daily checks with metal scaling bars are performed to identify loose spots, and shotcrete and mesh ground support are used to reduce the risk.
Weak rock strength or the removal of large wall expanses can cause ribs to buckle and explode, posing a threat to anyone nearby.
Rockbursts, where the ground rises into the ceiling during a reverse collapse, can occur in coal mines, although they are designed to prevent such incidents. Both grounds falls and rock bursts are primarily associated with coal mining.
Accidents involving mining equipment can also lead to serious injuries.
SECURITY, WORKER COMPENSATION, AND DENIED CLAIMS
Despite many companies emphasizing safety, instances of individuals not receiving safety training or equipment are not uncommon.
Some companies may cut corners to increase their profit margins at the expense of employees. They may deny injured employees Workers Compensation by refusing to accept their applications or delaying them at a time when coverage is most needed.
The company’s legal team often assumes that individuals entitled to compensation will eventually stop pursuing it, thereby avoiding payment for medical bills or partial wages during the recovery period. In such cases, hiring a personal lawyer becomes necessary.
This post was written by Justin Tidd, Director at Becker/SMC. For nearly half a century, Becker Mining has been at the forefront of safety, producing the best load break switch in the industry. Becker/SMC is the industry’s leader in increasingly more sophisticated electrical control systems. Most of the major innovations, design features, and specialized electrical components have been developed by Becker/SMC.