In every workers’ compensation claim, the injured worker’s treating physician wields a great deal of power. Their opinion can be used by your employer or their insurer to diminish your claim, force you back to work before you are physically able or outright deny your...
To move coal and other materials in a mine, shuttle cars are used. When the average person thinks of these cars, they imagine wooden carts on metal tracks, almost like a railroad track. However, many modern shuttle cars are wide, wheeled vehicles with conveyor belts...
During one recent year — 2018 — there were 27 mining fatalities. Just over half of those deaths involved powered haulage accidents. What does that include? Basically, any type of carts used in the mine and other mobile equipment like powered conveyors that move...
If you work in a factory, the risk of an explosion or fire can be serious. Most factories use processes that will use flammable materials of some kind. Even if the materials themselves aren’t flammable, the chemicals used on them may be. It is important that your...
If you get hurt on the job, workers' compensation can cover your medical costs and replace a portion of your lost wages. Workers in Alabama, especially those who work very physical jobs such as mining or manufacturing work, may not be able to keep working after an...
People use the phrase “canary in the coal mine” to refer to early warning signs of subtle danger. The term stems from the former literal use of small birds to detect one of the most significant risks that miners faced while on the job. The act of mining could, in...
Working in a coal mine, you already know that there is a risk of exposure to coal dust and silica. These can lead to lung damage that causes chronic coughs or shortness of breath. Today, most workers can avoid these issues thanks to the personal protective gear that...
Forklifts are a valuable piece of equipment at many mining sites, but they can also cause serious injuries -- and even death -- if they aren’t operated properly. It is imperative that companies take the time to ensure that anyone who is going to use the forklift knows...
A 39-year-old man was killed recently in an on-the-job accident at a poultry plant in Barbour County, Alabama. The county coroner listed the man’s cause of death as decapitation. The man was part of a cleaning crew that was contracted to provide services to the...
In communities where coal mining operations exist, mining work can often be the best available career for those hoping to support themselves or a family. Blue-collar workers can find a living wage even in entry-level positions across the mining industry, and there are...
