The Occupational Hazards of Mining

Mining is not for the faint of heart, simply put. It is a dangerous occupation that places individuals
at risk of serious injury, illness, or death in exchange for a salary that is nominally adjusted to
reflect the inherent dangers. Though mine safety has taken significant steps forward in the decades
since the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 (Mine Act) was enacted, there are still a considerable
number of occupational injuries and fatalities each year. As a mining worker, you are likely to endure
an accident or illness that may require you to seek medical attention and miss time at work.

Fortunately, you have access to financial benefits through the workers’ compensation system established
by the state of Iowa in addition to other mine-specific benefits. Your employer’s workers’ compensation
insurance can be used to address the cost of medical bills, lost income, and other statutorily specified
economic concerns. Contact the Des Moines workers’ compensation lawyers of LaMarca & Landry, P.C., at
877-327-2600 to speak with an experienced attorney about your claim.

Statistics on Mine Safety from 2003-2007

The Mine Act directed the Mine Safety and Health Administration, under the auspices of the United States
Department of Labor, to conduct annual inspections of all mining facilities around the country. Additionally,
it is the agency tasked with providing a comprehensive view of safety conditions in mining environments.
The work of the MSHA led to the compilation of the following rates of injury for the years 2003-2007
based upon cause (figures are per 100 full-time workers and only entail accidents and injuries that
led to lost workdays):

• Handling materials – 2.39 workers (1.58 underground/0.81 surface)
• Slip and fall – 1.57 workers (0.94 underground/0.63 surface)
• Collapsed ground – 0.85 workers (all underground)
• Powered hauling – 0.86 workers (0.64 underground/0.22 surface)
• Machinery – 0.83 workers (0.59 underground/0.24 surface)
• Hand tools – 0.56 workers (0.33 underground/0.23 surface)
• Stepping or kneeling on an object – 0.17 workers (0.12 underground/0.05 surface)
• Electric shock – 0.06 workers (0.04 underground/0.02 surface)
• Other causes – 0.30 workers (0.19 underground/0.11 surface)

Contact Us

We can help you to obtain the benefits that you are due for your mining injury. >Contact the Des Moines
workers’ compensation lawyers of LaMarca & Landry, P.C., at 877-327-2600.