Mining used to be the most dangerous industry until 2001, with 23.5 deaths per 100,000 workers. However, since then, the number of deaths has decreased due to industry efforts to reduce explosion risks and improve air quality. China accounts for 80% of all mining-related deaths in the world due to a lack of safety regulations. Mining also has health risks, including chronic lung diseases and suffocation from certain gases.
According to Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) expert sources, mining was the most dangerous industry for workers until 2001. With 23.5 deaths per 100,000 workers, mining ranks above industrial fishing, forestry and mining. agriculture. Just to show how high the number is, let’s look at the construction sector. Although considered by many to be a dangerous place to work, there are only 12.2 deaths per 100,000 construction workers, roughly half the number of deaths reported in mines.
Since 2001, the number of deaths in mines has been gradually decreasing. The U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) now reports that mining has dropped considerably on the list of dangerous occupations. Taxi drivers, roofers and pilots now rank higher than mines. The change is mainly due to industry efforts to reduce explosion risks and improve air quality. Improvements in equipment and procedures have also made a big difference. Overall, the injury rate has dropped by almost half.
The number of victims varies according to the country. In the US, it either remained stable or declined, depending on the state. In other countries, such as China, the number of deaths is significantly higher. In 2004, 28 people died in mining-related occupations in the United States; in China, the number was 6027. In fact, China accounts for 80% of all mining-related deaths in the world.
Some of the major dangers of mining are related to gas explosions and roof collapse. While the risks are lower in modern times, they still exist. Faulty mining equipment, floods, dust explosions and fires also cause a large number of accidents every year. In China, for example, the lack of safety regulations is responsible for many, if not most, of all mining accidents. Many mines operate without a safety license and employ inexperienced workers. In addition to the external dangers, mining also has a number of health risks. Chronic lung diseases such as pneumoconiosis are less common than in the past, but still occur. Certain gases, including carbon dioxide, nitrogen and sulfur, are common in mines and can lead to suffocation. Many of these gases are also explosive.
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