Mining is one of the most dangerous industries. Countless individuals are hurt or killed while working in narrow or hollowed-out workspaces thousands of feet underground each year. Hard rock and coal mines are particularly dangerous. Those who work in these types of environments run a higher risk of getting hurt than others.
One risk that individuals who work in these mines face is being injured in blasting-related accidents. The most serious injuries occur when explosives are detonated to break down rock.
These detonations often result in unintended seismic activity, something that can cause earthquakes. This can lead rocks to crash down all around or on top of a miner.
Another concern during a detonation is a fly-rock injury. A miner can become injured by a flying rock if they stand too close to the blast site. This can also happen if a space is detonated prematurely.
Misfires are another reason for blast injuries. These often occur when detonations don’t go as intended.
Mineworkers are also at a significantly higher risk of coal dust and methane gas exposure. This can adversely impact a miner’s physical health and also cause unintended explosions. Instances in which these two toxins have been released into the air have been responsible for some of the deadliest mine accidents in history. These incidents have often trapped miners and resulted in their death.
Mining is a dangerous industry. While many safety regulations have been instituted by both California and federal officials in recent years to minimize the chance that such incidents will occur, this hasn’t resulted in the complete elimination of accidents. If you’ve been hurt on the job in a mine or any other industrial setting, a workplace accidents attorney in Torrance can advise you of your right to recover compensation for your medical costs and lost wages.
