Miners represent grit and honorable work in often difficult conditions. An iconic American labor workforce, miners symbolize a bygone era of the industrial age, but the industry continues to produce materials needed worldwide to support innumerable manufacturing and engineering efforts that keep the world turning.
Every year on December 6, the contributions of today’s miners are celebrated, as well as those who lost their lives over the long history of this hazardous work. The day was established by Congress as an opportunity to show appreciation for the workers’ endeavors and to ensure that their value is reflected in the continued improvements implemented to make their work safer and more rewarding. In the spirit of appreciation for miners, the struggles and safety concerns common to those in the industry are addressed.
Miners by definition work to mine, or extract, materials from the Earth. Such environmental resources as minerals, coal, metals, stone, sand, and gravel can be collected and used in an infinite number of industrial pursuits. Miners work in underground caves and caverns, as well as above ground.
Industrial Dangers
Some of the most well-known environmental dangers present in mining work are associated with underground mining, which has subjected workers to dangerous levels of inhalable coal dust that causes Black Lung and other occupational diseases. Even today, close to 25,000 miners die from Black Lung each year.
Additionally, injuries and deaths occur due to poor work conditions related to inadequate lighting, electrical accidents, or weather-related issues, such as landslides and lightning strikes. Other dangers involve hazardous mining techniques, such as the use of explosives or faulty machinery.
Industry Safety Measures
Mining companies have come a long way in safeguarding miners on the job. Improvements in safety equipment and training continue. Health issues are a priority too, as companies are now required to offer free medical evaluations to all miners on an ongoing basis to catch any exposure issues or other work-related aliments early. The recognition of an honorary annual celebration is nice, but the value of miners should be a ceaseless consideration within the industry and beyond.
Cherry Hill Workers’ Compensation Lawyers at Pietras Saracino Smith & Meeks, LLP Advocate for Injured Miners
Miners injured in a work accident or who fall ill after years of exposure to environmental job risks deserve protection. Contact the Cherry Hill workers’ compensation lawyers at Pietras Saracino Smith & Meeks, LLP today. We can help you collect your rightful benefits to help with medical bills and lost wages. We also help families who lost a loved one to a work-related illness or accident. Contact us online or call us at 856-761-3773 to schedule a free case evaluation. Located in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, we help injured workers throughout South Jersey, including Camden, Cinnaminson, Delran, Maple Shade, and Pennsauken.
