The CDC defines a mining disaster as any accident in a mine with five or more fatalities. If this definition is taken, the last mining disaster in the US occurred in 2010 in West Virginia at the Upper Big Branch Mine – South. CDC statistics show that this coal mine disaster had 29 fatalities and it occurred due to dust or gas explosion. While labor laws and mine safety and health norms have evolved to make mining activities safer, it is possible to get injured if you work in a mine. Hence, it is important you understand how Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) classifies mine accidents. This will allow you to pinpoint the circumstances that resulted in the accident.
Mine Accident Classification
Some of the categories of mine-related accidents are as follows:
- Electrical: When electric current is directly responsible for the accident
- Entrapment: When a roof or wall caves in, leaving the miners trapped inside the mine with no serious or grievous injuries
- Exploding Vessel Under Pressure: Accidents due to explosion of air tanks, air hoses, hydraulic hoses and hydraulic lines
- Explosives and Breaking Agents: Accidents caused due to denotation of manufactured explosives that lead to fumes, flying debris and concussive force
- Fire: Fires that are not put off within 10 minutes of discovery in underground mines and within 30 minutes in surface mines
- Handling Material: Lifting, pulling or shoveling materials like coal, sand, rock and timber
- Hand Tool: Non-powered hand tools that directly cause the accident
- Hoisting: Damage or problem with hoisting equipment that endangers or causes the accident
- Ignition or Explosion of Gas and Dust: If gas or dust explosion or ignition causes the accident, it falls under this category. This also includes exploring furnaces, space heaters and exploding gas vapors
- Inundation: If a surface or underground mine gets flooded by a gas or liquid
- Machinery: Mining activities require the use of heavy and light machinery, and any accident caused by the action or motion of such a machinery or by a failed component of the machinery
- Slip or Fall: Slip or fall from a height, getting off a machine or slip or fall while servicing a machine
If you or a loved one has been involved in a mine accident, it may be possible to get compensation for the injury, emotional distress and loss of wages. However, it is critical you consult an experience NY attorney to find out your entitlements. Be sure to consult a personal injury NY attorney who has experience in dealing with similar cases. Also, the attorney should have a proven track record of winning such cases or at least getting an adequate settlement in favor of the plaintiff. At Rosenberg, Minc, Falkoff, & Wolff Law Firm or RMFW Law, you will be able to speak to such attorneys. In fact, your first consultation will be free and the personal injury attorney will be able to guide you and let you know how to proceed. Contact at 212-344-1000 today to schedule an appointment. RMFW Law has won millions of dollars for past clients and you too can be on this amazing list. Call us today, you have nothing to lose and much to gain.
