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By Robert H. Peters

Are the safety rules in your work place effective? Do supervisors enforce them as they should? Do supervisors abide by these rules? Safety rules are an important aspect of many company safety programs, particularly if employees must work in an intrinsically hazardous environment such as a coal mine. However, for various reasons, supervisors sometimes fail to enforce safety rules (Arvey & Jones, 1985; Hartshorn, 1998). This paper presents some findings obtained from interviews with coal miners about why supervisors sometimes fail to enforce an important mine safety rule. It also contains a few suggestions addressing what could be done to help supervisors perform this job function more effectively.

Information Circular (IC) 9453 Roof falls continue to be the greatest single safety hazard faced by underground coal miners. During1996-99, 44 coal miners lost their lives in rock falls and nearly 2,400 were injured. In addition, nearly 6,000 non injury roof collapses were reported. Roof supports are installed to protect the miners, but support system failures contributed to most of these incidents. Reducing the terrible toll taken by ground falls continues to be a major goal of research by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).During 2000-01, NIOSH conducted a series of open industry briefings on New Technology for Coal Mine Roof Support in Norton, VA, Charleston, WV, Evansville, IN, Tuscaloosa, AL, Price, UT, Glenwood Springs, CO, and Washington, PA. Drawing on many years of research undertaken by the NIOSH Pittsburgh and Spokane Research Laboratories, the proceedings describe what types of coal mine roof support are available, how they work, and when they should be used. The major subjects covered include roof bolts, standing roof supports, cable supports, and longwall shields. Some special topics are also addressed, including an analysis of roof fall accident statistics, techniques for better skin control, and material handling considerations. The proceedings volume also contains information on several important new technologies, which are described for the first time, e.g., guidelines for selecting roof bolt

Aug 1, 2001

By Jozef S. Stachulak

In This Chapter [Ore pass dust control Drill dust control Blasting dust control Conveyor belt dust control Transfer point and crusher dust control Roadheader dust control and How much ventilation air to use] This chapter discusses respirable dust control in underground hard-rock mines. These mines use a wide variety of extraction methods, but they have many common dust sources and dust control needs. Ore passes, drills, blasting, conveyor belts, transfer points, crushers, and load-haul-dump operations can be major sources of dust. Roadheaders, which are sometimes used in hard-rock mines, produce dust in large quantities. For the most part, dust in hard-rock mines is controlled with ventilation air, water sprays, and dust collectors. It is also important to prevent dust from getting into the air in the first place. Good dust control practices will reduce overall mine ventilation requirements. [Lack of maintenance is the main source of dust problems in hard-rock mines according to Rodgers [1974], who conducted a dust survey of hard-rock mines several decades ago. Rodgers found that spray systems had clogged sprays, dust enclosures had improperly fitted skirts, and ductwork was plugged and had leaks. Today’s mines have better maintenance programs (we think), but when dust levels are high, maintenance is still the first topic to address.] The Mining Association of Canada [MAC 1980] and Knight [1980] provide good general information about hard-rock dust control. For conveyor belt dust control, Goldbeck and Marti [1996] and Swinderman et al. [1997] are valuable sources of information.

Jan 6, 2003

The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) defines an independent contractor as "any person, partnership, corporation, subsidiary of a corporation, firm, association or other organization that contracts to perform services or construction at a mine." Contractors that perform specific types of work are required to report the number of employees who perform work at coal mines and at noncoal mines.

Feb 1, 2005

By Wilbur I. Duvall

In a previous report, entitled A Gage and Recording Equipment for Measuring Dynamic Strain in Rock, a control circuit for a drum camera was described. The purpose of this control circuit was to provide a means for firing seismic caps, synchronizing the firing of the cap with the opening of the camera shutters and generating an electrical impulse at the instant of detonation. The operation of this circuit depended on the following two characteristics of seismic caps: (1) these caps contain a bridge, which breaks at the instant of detonation, and, the firing delay time of the cap is a function of the firing current. During the course of the Bureau's studies, considerable difficulty was experienced from "firing hash", i.e., spurious vibrations that appeared on the records at the time of detonation. The cause of most of this "firing hash" was traced to the intermittent grounding of the cap leads at the time of detonation. As the cap leads were still connected to the firing battery, the grounding of the leads permitted current to flow through the rock to the gage and to return to the firing battery through the shield on the gage cables. The intermittent flow of current along the cable shield produced potentials on the gage leads that were recorded as the "firing hash." To eliminate this difficulty, it is necessary to remove the firing voltage from the cap leads the instant the cap detonates. This report supplements the previous report and describes an improved circuit that can be used to fire seismic caps, remove the firing voltage from the cap leads the instant the cap fires, control the firing delay time in the cap, and generate reference signals at the time current starts flowing in the cap circuit and at the time the cap detonates. These reference signals can be used to determine the firing delay time of seismic caps and the time at which the seismic wave is generated by the explosion.

Jan 1, 1950

By R. J. Matetic

Researchers associated with the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Pittsburgh Research Laboratory (PRL), are investigating injuries (fatal and nonfatal) attributed to water well drillers during well drilling activities. Injury data, obtained from various sources, suggest that many water well drillers are experiencing unnecessarily high insurance premiums and very avoidable citations or violations from the direct result of accidents, injuries, and fatalities occurring throughout the water well drilling industry. Expensive insurance premiums and unnecessary citations are the direct result of poor health and safety practices. Visits to numerous water well drilling sites were conducted by NIOSH personnel to characterize and identify the injury data collected and to provide inexpensive strategies to prevent, minimize, and eliminate safety and health issues associated with water well drilling activities.

Jan 1, 2001

This is the final report on Project CR-102 under the auspices of the Department of Environmental Resources, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania .1 The project was activated on January 5, 1970, with financial support from Bituminous Coal Research, Inc., the Pennsylvania Coal Research Board, and the Water Quality Office of the Environmental Protection Agency (WQO-EPA)2 through Grant 14010 EST to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Work on the project was conducted according to the procedures outlined in BCR Research Program Proposal RPP-164R, dated April 24, 1969, and a subsequent Revulsion of Scope, dated February 25, 1970. This report covers the entire project period from January 5, 1970, through March 25, 1971.

Jan 1, 1971

By George T. Faust

The Southern Experiment Station of the Bureau of Mines, United States Department of the Interior, in cooperation with the University of Alabama, is investigating the various types of clays to be found in the Southern States. In connection ,with this work, the petrographic laboratory is called

Jan 1, 1940

By Tye J. Lasich

This project involved modeling rock masses with varying Rock Mass Rating (RMR) values to determine the degree of instability that develops around an underground opening as a function of RMR. The modeling was performed using Itasca?s UDEC distinct element software, which allows explicit modeling of blocks of rock and how they interact with each other. The analyses included three different orientations of the joint sets, four different joint spacings and three different values of joint strength, which combine for a total of 36 different combinations of model parameters. Two different modes of behavior were observed: local failure of area immediately surrounding the roof and sides of the opening, and deep-seated failure extending a large distance beyond the opening. Quantification of the size of the unstable area that developed provides numerical validation of empirical guidelines used in design of ground support and instrumented monitoring systems.

Jan 1, 2005

By Charles L. Kimbell

This study is intended to serve three roles. First, it is an extension of the previous works under the same title that have been the overview and summary chapter of the international volume of Minerals Yearbook since the inception of that volume. Following the traditional format of past chapters, the basic statistical presentations herein deal chiefly with 1989, and in some instances with 1988, the latter only because more recent, comprehensive global statistics for 1989 are simply not yet available owing to delayed data collection and processing in some countries and continued governmental suppression of data in others. The second role of this study is to provide an update to the coverage of events impacting on the world's mineral industry that have occurred between the end of 1989 and the preparation of this study. Inclusion of this update is almost essential because of the potential effect of some of these events on global mineral industry activities.

Jan 1, 1992

By J. W. Horne

The quantitative determination of salt in petroleum ins generally divided into two steps - (1) extraction of salt from the oil and (2) accurate measurement of the extracted salt. This paper presents a method used by the Bureau of Mines for quantitatively extracting the water-soluble chloride salts4/ from petroleum and discusses important details attendant on the success of the method. Among these details are homogeneity in the dispersion of salt crystals, emulsified brine and other impurities in the oil sample, complete solution of the salt, and total extraction and titration of all the aqueous phase. Recently, the chlorides of sodium, calcium, and. magnesium produced with and present in various oils have developed growing problems of salt deposition and corrosion in the petroleum industry. Therefore, a technical study of various emulsions and salts that accompany petroleum is being made by the Bureau of Mines in cooperation with the State of Oklahoma. One report (5)5 reviewing the literature pertinent to the study has been published.

Jan 1, 1940

By Charles D. Litton

Experiments were conducted to determine the optical scattering properties of diesel particulate matter (DPM) and various combustion aerosols from both flaming and smoldering combustion sources at discrete angles of 151 and 301 in the forward direction and at a light source wave length of 635 nm using a simple light scattering module. In addition to the scattering data, simultaneous measurements were made of the total aerosol mass concentration; light extinction at an average wave length of 546nm; and the response of a common bipolar ion chamber typical of residential smoke detectors modified to allow the aerosols to flow through the chamber. The results of these experiments indicate, for DPM and combustion aerosols, the intensities per unit mass concentration depend not only upon whether the aerosolis DPM or combustion aerosol but also upon the type of combustion aerosol. The results also indicate that the ion chamber responses are greatest for DPM, followed by the response to flaming combustion aerosols (FCA)and lowest for smoldering combustion aerosols (SCA). For light scattering, the greatest intensities are found for SCA, followed by the intensities from FCA, and lowest for DPM. This report describes the experiments, their results, and the use of these results to developed sign criteria for early warning fire sensor capable of the rapid and reliable detection of fires in atmospheres that may or may not be contaminated by the products produced from diesel engines. © 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.

By Kathleen Kowalski-Trakofler, Edward Barrett

Problem: It is estimated that 5 to 10 arc flash explosions occur in electric equipment every day in the United States. In the mining industry the largest single injury category of electrical injuries are caused by non-contact electrical arcs. Method: This investigation progressed in two phases: (a) 836 Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) reports of electric arcing incidents that occurred over a period of 11 years were reviewed, and (b) personal interviews were conducted with 32 individuals. A theoretical Safe Job Performance Model guided the study. Results: Behavioral dimensions were identified and included the effect of worker experience, judgment and decision-making ability, behavioral and organizational controls, and safety culture. Summary: The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) conducted an investigation of behavioral components associated with arc flash incidents and developed recommendations for interventions based on findings. Impact on Industry: This study fills a vacuum in electrical training with a focus on the organizational and behavioral aspects of arc flash incidents. There search is cross-cutting in its scope, in that the results apply not only to mining and construction, but many other industries employing electricians. Although the majority of mine electrical injuries are the results of burns from electrical arcs, few miners are aware that such a hazard exists. A safety training program, which includes a video and an instructor's discussion guide, was developed for electricians based on this study's findings. “Arc Flash Awareness” was released in 2007 (DHHS NIOSH PublicationNo.2007-116D) and is available through1-800 CDC-INFO. Phone:1-800232-4636 or email cdcinfo@cdc.gov. It is also available from MSHA at MSHADistribution@dol.gov or 304-256-3257 (DVD-576). Private industry is producing Portuguese and Spanish language translations.

By W. J. Fene

"The prevalence of accidents in the coal-mining industry has prompted a study of the workmen's compensation laws of the various States and the statistics of accident costs, for the purpose of explaining to operators how the compensation laws are regulated and to show the cost of accidents.The subject of compensation laws and accident costs is by no means new, but the prevalence of coal-mine accidents would indicate that the mine operator in general is not thoroughly conversant with their importance. Unquestionably, compensation laws are a large factor in promoting accident prevention, and it is believed that a greater measure of success would be accomplished in preventing accidents if all mine operators were fully aware of their important bearing on the cost of production.Many operators seem to be indifferent to accident occurrence; possibly they do not real¬ize the seriousness of the accident hazards that exist in their mines, even after the hazards are brought to their attention. There is no question that material financial advantages are to be gained by the prevention of accidents and it would appear that when these advantages are thoroughly understood, operators would be anxious to eliminate, insofar as is feasible, conditions likely to cause accidents.The unsettled state of the mineral industry and the irregular operation of mines during the past several years has probably been an important factor in influencing the apparently indifferent attitude of the operator. The chaotic conditions in the mining industry and especially in coal mining are unquestionably a factor that tends to increase accidents, just as mine idleness increases roof hazards and results in deterioration in mechanical, electrical, and haulage equipment, and promotes disorganization of the personnel. During such times greater efforts should be exerted toward the prevention of accidents because of these increased hazards and of the financial advantages brought about by the various savings to be effected when mine accidents are held to a minimum.This report on accidents in the coal mines of Pennsylvania was made possible largely through the cooperation of William J. Maguire, director, Bureau of Statistics, Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry, and Rush N. Hosier, superintendent, Coal Mine Section, Pennsylvania Compensation Rating and Inspection Bureau, who made available their records and extended much assistance and numerous courtesies during this study."

May 1, 1932

By F. C. Gregory

"The ""safety bonus"" in metal mining is a sum in addition to the regular wage, paid to foremen or bosses for keeping the accident rate down to a specified minimum. It has been used with success for some time by certain companies as a regular part of their safety work. It is desirable from the employer's point of view in that the desired results in accident reduction must be accomplished before the bonus is earned; and from the standpoint of the recipient, in that he receives a reward for the additional effort which he has put forth in order to earn the bonus.While this paper relates to the safety bonus as applied in the metal mining industry, the bonus system discussed herein will apply equal well to coal mining, oil-field work, and other mineral industries.Various estimates have been made as to the percentage of accidents that can be prevented through physical safeguards, adoption of safe working methods, and other safety measures which can be initiated and carried out wholly through the management or the safety department. This percentage will always be a vari¬able according to the local plant and conditions. But all who have been engaged in accident prevention agree that such work alone cannot bring the accident fre¬quency down to where it should be, and that it is very necessary to work directly with the workmen, in an effort to make each individual do his share in making the work safe. In this latter phase of the work, the boss who has immediate super¬vision of the men is the one who can do the most, since he is in daily and frequent contact with the men while they are at work. In the metal mines, the shift and stope bosses are the key men; in the oil fields, the ""tool-pushers"" or sub-foremen, and the same applies to all industries. So it becomes necessary to keep these sub-foremen constantly interested in accident prevention, both because they are in personal touch with the men and because they are responsible for production and hostile to any plan which they think will interfere with their output. In large organizations it is the shift boss who represents the company and its policies to the man on the job."

Jun 1, 1924

Acid pollution from abandoned mines causes serious contamination of major streams in coal mining areas. In Pennsylvania alone it is estimated that 3000 miles of streams are devoid of fish and plant life because of coal mine effluent.1 The pollution arises because water and oxygen react with iron sulfide in the mine cavity to produce sulfuric acid and iron sulfate, which later find their way back into surface streams. Two general approaches to the problem are possible: (1) prevent the acid-forming reaction from taking place, (2) treat the acid mine water after it is formed so that it will not be harmful to the ecology when discharged into streams and other surface waters. The work described in this report belongs in the first category - it was based on the assumption that acid formation in the mine cavity can be prevented by keeping water (one of the reactants) out of the mine. This was to be accomplished by-forming a waterproof seal over the mine cavity which would prevent the seepage of surface water into the mine. It was planned to form such a seal at or near the surface of the ground by applying latex to the soil. Ideally a dilute latex would be applied to the soil and would penetrate to a depth of two to three feet below the surface where it would be coagulated by reacting with a constituent of the soil or by other means., A seal below the surface of the soil would have several advantages over a surface seal - it would not be subject to destruction by traffic, frost or vegetation and, more important, it would allow the use of the top soil for many agricultural purposes. A preliminary feasibility experiment was performed prior to application for the present grant. It showed that it was indeed possible to form a sub-surface seal by means of latex. A core of soil was obtained locally (Wayne, N. J.) by driving a 6.5 cm inside diameter steel pipe about 100 cm long into subsoil for a distance of 71 cm. The soil was retained within the pipe for this experiment. A part of the free space above the soil in the pipe was charged with water, and the seepage rate of the soil after it had become saturated was 15 ml/min under a total head (wet soil plus supernatant column of water) of 92 cm. After the supernatant water had drained completely, 100 ml of 5% rubber latex was added and allowed to seep into the soil. This was followed by additional water and the seepage rate was found to be 2 ml/min under the same head. This seepage rate remained unchanged when remeasured on the following day. Since there was no visible evidence of the latex in the collected drain water it is presumed to have been retained by the soil.

Jan 1, 1972

The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) defines an independent contractor as "any person, partnership, corporation, subsidiary of a corporation, firm, association or other organization that contracts to perform services or construction at a mine." Contractors that perform specific types of work are required to report the number of employees who perform work at coal mines and at noncoal mines.

Jan 1, 2004

1. In 2003, a total of 734 nonmetal mining operations reported employment to the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA). Examples of nonmetal mining operations include, but are not limited to, the mining of clay, shale, barite, potash, trona, phosphate rock, rock salt, gypsum, talc, gemstones, mica, perlite, and pumice. • Nonmetal mines comprised 5.1% of all mining operations. • Nonmetal mining operations are located in all states and territories except Alaska, Delaware, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. • Mines producing common clay comprised 28.6% (n = 210) of all nonmetal mining operations.

Feb 1, 2005

1. In 2003, a total of 258 metal mining operations reported employment to the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA). Metal mines were the smallest mining sector, comprising 1.8% of all mining operations.1 • Gold mines comprised 44.2% (n = 114) of all metal mining operations. Other common types of metal mines were iron ore (n = 29; 11.2%), copper ore (n = 28; 10.9%), and lead and/or zinc ore (n = 21; 8.1%). • Nevada had the largest number of metal mines (n = 48; 18.6%) followed by Alaska (n = 29; 11.2%).

Feb 1, 2005

By Jonisha P. Pollard

In restricted vertical working heights such as low-seam coal mines, workers are forced to assume kneeling or squatting postures to perform work. These postures are associated with increased risks for the development of significant knee pathologies such as meniscal tears and osteoarthritis [1,2]. Previous research has shown an increased applied knee flexion moment when kneeling in high flexion [3]. However, these models have been applied to flexion up to 140° which neglects contact between the thigh and calf which occurs beyond 140°. In addition to thigh-calf contact, when kneeling near full flexion there may be additional contact between the heel and gluteal muscles. To the author?s knowledge, heel-gluteus contact has not been previously investigated, but thigh-calf contact has received some attention. Zelle (2007) reported thigh-calf contact forces up to 30% bodyweight (BW) [4]. Zelle (2009) reported decreased knee forces when accounting for thigh-calf contact [5]. Caruntu (2003) reported erroneous force and moment estimations when thigh-calf contact was neglected from models to determine muscle and ligament forces [6]. In this study thigh-calf and heel-gluteus contact forces were quantified to determine their effect on the externally applied flexion moment in high flexion.

Jan 1, 2009