As a coal miner, you know your job carries a higher-than-average risk. Yet, when you think about hazards, you probably consider the big events that could happen. Things like a roof collapsing or an explosion going wrong. Like any job, mining also has its fair share of...
Workers sometimes have to do repetitive job duties day in and day out, and that can put a strain on their muscles and joints and lead to cumulative trauma injuries. Many people don’t realize how serious these injuries can be. What’s a cumulative trauma injury?...
Every job has unique characteristics that contribute to the risks workers face. Those who work in construction have the risk of falls, exposure to electricity and heavy machinery to worry about, while people working in medicine may have concerns about the risks...
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...
