Coal Mine Accidents

Coal Mine Related Injuries

Black lung is a job related disease caused by continued exposure to excessive amounts of respirable coal mine dust. This dust becomes imbedded in the lungs, causing them to harden, making breathing very difficult. Silicosis is another job-related lung disease included in black lung. Miners develop silicosis when they are overexposed to dust containing silica. Respirable particles of silica embed in the lungs causing scar tissue to form, reducing the lung's ability to extract oxygen from the air.

What are the symptoms of black lung?
In the early stage of the illness, there may be no immediate symptoms. However, the latter stages of the disease, known as progressive massive fibrosis or PMF, will cause shortness of breath, coughing and pain during breathing. PMF may result in permanent disability and early death.

How can I find out if I have black lung?
Black lung can be detected by X-ray and pulmo-nary function tests. Every operator of an under-ground coal mine is required to have an X-ray plan approved by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). At intervals not to exceed five years, X-rays must be offered to employees at no cost. Results must be kept confidential.

What happens if NIOSH discovers black lung on my X-ray?
If you are determined to have black lung, you will be notified by MSHA of the results of your X-ray and of the right to work in a low dust area under the requirements of 30 CFR Part 90. If you choose to exercise this right, your mine environment will be evaluated by dust sampling. If it is found to be too dusty, controls may be put into place to lower dust concentrations, or you may be moved to a less dusty area of the mine.

What can I do to reduce the potential of developing black lung?
You should be familiar with your mine's ventilation plan dust control provisions, make use of dust controls such as scrubbers and dry dust collec-tors, utilize respirators when necessary, and at underground coal mines ensure that a respirable dust control on-shift examination is conducted.
If you have any questions about any occupational health matter, feel free to ask a qualified attorney. Our job is to protect your health. For more information, contact your local MSHA office or MSHA's national office at (703) 235-1358.

More reading on Coal Mine accidents at:

• US Department of Labor Mine Safety and Health Administration
• State Office of Mine Safety and Licensing
• Federal Mine Safety and Health Administration

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