Mining and Rock Falling
Mining and Rock Falling Are a Fatal Combination: Do You Need a Pennsylvania Mining Lawyer?
Underground mining still has one of the highest fatal injury rates of any U.S. industry - more than five times the national average compared to other industries. While large roof and rib falls have been responsible for several fatalities, most injuries are caused by relatively small pieces of falling rock.
Each year, about 500 reported injuries (and some fatalities) result from relatively minor falls of rock from the roof in coal mines. These injuries occur in areas that have been supported and should be safe. Various surface control techniques are used in mines to control minor rock falls of the roof. However, current technologies are often ineffective, and they can be expensive and time-consuming to install. As a result, mine operators are often reluctant to use these technologies. Because of this reluctance, entire crews are put at risk.
Most high wall injuries occur when loose pieces of rock fall on workers located below. Small pieces of rock can be dangerous when they fall from great height; even a fist-sized rock caused one recent fatality. At the other extreme, an entire section of a high wall or spoil pile may collapse, endangering miners working either on or beneath it.
Have you or a loved one suffered from falling rock inside a mine or has a loved perished from a fatal rock fall mine accident?
Hard rock bursts have been occurring in deep metal mines for as long as records have been kept. Federal regulations have been developed mainly in the form of administrative controls. When a rock burst causes miners to withdraw, impairs ventilation or impedes passage, Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) must be notified. A rock burst control plan should then be developed and implemented. This plan is required to reduce the occurrence of rock bursts through monitoring and minimizing exposure. Monitoring can range from simple deformation measurements to mine-wide micro-seismic monitoring systems.
Another project goal is to help identify rock types that are most prone to rock falls. Rock that is sensitive to moisture can deteriorate, swell, and fracture. Laboratory testing and down hole geophysical methods have shown promise in identifying weak rocks.
Problems with rock falls inside a mine include:
- a lack of understanding of geologic conditions that lead to small rock falls;
- a lack of knowledge about successful surface control techniques; inadequate installation procedures and equipment; lack of upper level engineering design guidelines; and
- support and production costs.
Another project goal is to help identify rock types that are most prone to rock falls. Rock that is sensitive to moisture can deteriorate, swell, and fracture. Laboratory testing and down hole geophysical methods have shown promise in identifying weak rocks.
Mining is dangerous but steps can be taken to rectify dangerous falling rock. A miner’s work day is racked with strenuous labor. Mining companies frequently cut corners to improve their bottom line while recklessly endangering the lives of their workers. Stop! Fight back! Make a difference! Contact Anapol Schwartz, a Pennsylvania and New Jersey law firm with over 30 years experience fighting for the little guy and his family.
Find out how our lawyers can help make a difference in your life.