Coal Mining Accidents

Although Occupational Health and Safety laws have progressed the safety of mine empoyees drematically over the past ten years in Australia, the risk working in a mine environment is still much higher than in other industries. Furthermore, the risks involved in underground mining is higher than above ground (open cut) mines.

What are some common mine accidents?

Soft tissue injuries, scrapes, bruises, and general enjuries that you would expect to get working in any trade industry that involves using your hands to do manual work and equipment.

High pressure hydrolic oil injuries. These are quite significant injuries that involves high pressure oil being forced in through the selectively permeable membranes and into the body lymphatic system and underneath the skin. Because the body does’t like the oil (it sees it as an irritant) the body develops an imune response (inflamation) and continues to swell. If left untreated, this will lead to tissue damage and eventually loss of limbs or affected area. Treatment involves surgical interventions, opening and debridement (cleaning with sterile water or saline).