Tag Archives: dangerous

Fall Safety, General Safety Issues

AVOIDING SLIPS AND FALLS (GUEST POST)

The idea of a slip and fall leading to serious injury may seem silly to some people.  Imagery of clumsy people and frivolous lawsuits immediately come to mind.  However, slips and falls can be very dangerous and lead to over 1 million emergency room visits each year.  Nearly half of all accidental deaths at home are caused by falls,  and most injuries happen at ground level rather from elevation. 

The risk carries over to the workplace as well.  In fact, slips and falls are the leading cause of worker’s compensation claims , tallying nearly 85% of all claims, primarily on slippery or slick floors.  They also represent the primary cause of work days lost, with 22% leading to over 30 days of work missed.  The combination of compensation and medical costs from slip and fall injuries is estimated at over $70 billion annually.  The most common places for slips and falls are doorways, uneven surfaces, areas prone to wetness or spills ramps, and areas of heavy traffic.   

Despite the danger, there are a number of simple steps that can be taken to make the workplace or home safer: 

– Stay off freshly mopped floors and ensure caution signs are used on wet areas.

– Clean up spills immediately

– Secure all electrical cords in any traffic areas

– Wear footwear with good support and slip resistant soles

– Maintain open walking pathways

– Ensure that all traffic areas have adequate lighting, both indoors and outdoors

– Adjust gutters to drive water away from walkways and paths

– Never stand on a surface that has wheels, such as a table or chair

– Use non skid mats

– Install handrails on both sides of all staircases 

These steps, along with countless others, can go a long way creating a safer workplace, home, and overall environment.   Martin Solomon is a Phoenix personal injury attorney and has represented hundreds of people who have been injured.  He is an advocate for safety and works to help create safer work environments for employees and the general public.

General Safety Issues

TEN REASONS NOT TO ALLOW YOUR CHILD RIDE HIS/HER BIKE TO SCHOOL (GUEST POST)

In today’s world, is it ever a good idea to let your child ride his bike to school alone?  There are hidden hazards lurking everywhere, and it can be tough to know how to make the right decision regarding keeping your child safe while still letting him assert his independence. By taking a look at your child’s behavior, you can make an informed decision about if he’s ready to bike ride to school on his own or if he’s not quite mature enough to take on the task.

While there are both pros and cons to allowing your child to ride his bike to school alone, here are 10 reasons that it might not be a wise choice:

  1. He is irresponsible:  You know your child better than anyone else.  If he is easily and constantly distracted and can’t remember to look both ways before crossing the street, it might not be a good idea to let him ride his bike to school by himself.
  2. He is too young: As a parent, you will have to judge when your child is old enough to ride to school on his bike alone.  If you have a very responsible child, reside in a small town with sidewalks, and live close to the school, he might be able to ride his bike when he is in elementary school. However, if you live further away from the school, you might want to wait until he is older.
  3. There is too much traffic: If you live in a city where there’s a lot of traffic on the street, riding unsupervised may not be an option.  This is especially true if there are no bike lanes or sidewalks.  Make sure your child knows to watch for traffic no matter what, even if the area you live in is not particularly busy.  Accidents can happen anywhere.
  4. He is learning disabled: There are some things that can be too dangerous for a child who has a learning disability.  Kids with ADHD, for example, can often get distracted and ride right past their turn. This can then cause them to get lost and be unable to find their way home.
  5. It’s too dangerous: Maybe you live in an area that has a lot of crime and sending your child to school on his bike simply isn’t safe.
  6. He is being bullied: When your child rides his bike to school he needs to be able to ride to school safely and arrive on time.  The same goes for after school.  If your child is being bullied, you should address the issue before allowing him to be out on his bike alone.
  7. School is too far: If the school is more than a mile or so away, then it may be too far of a ride for your child.  Only you can decide how far is too far.
  8. The weather is unpredictable: If you live in New England, you know what they say: If you don’t like the weather, wait a minute.  Do you live in an area where it rains a lot or where the weather is unpredictable? How about an area that gets a lot of snow and ice?  Those things don’t really lend themselves to biking for anyone, especially a child.
  9. He is too timid: To venture out on his own requires bravery.  It doesn’t sound like riding to school should be a huge hurdle to conquer, especially if you only live a few blocks from the school, but if your child is very timid, the thought of riding alone could frighten him.
  10. He has no sense of direction: The last thing you want to have happen is for your child to get lost while biking to school.  If your child can’t find his way to and from school alone, he isn’t ready to bike there on his own.

There are several different factors that contribute to if a child is ready or not to ride his bike to school by himself. Before making the decision to let him or not, you’ll have to evaluate your child’s unique attributes, the city or town you live in, and whether or not where you live is safe enough for your child to be out and about alone.

Our thanks to Maureen Denard, of findananny.net, for this very valuable information. Pat

General Safety Issues

Cell Phone Use While Driving: A Preventable Danger (Guest Post)

Sent to us by Brandy Anderson.

Texting drivers are twenty-three times more likely to be involved in an accident than non-texting drivers. They recognize the danger, too: forty per cent of teens admit that they have been passengers in a car and felt at risk of a crash while the driver used a cell phone in a hazardous manner. Despite the risk, nearly fifty per cent of teenagers admit to texting while driving, and estimates report that one million people chat or text while driving each day.

This bad habit has tragic consequences. In 2010 alone, almost 3100 people were killed and 416,000 more were injured in motor vehicle accidents that were caused by a distracted driver.

One study by Car and Driver found that texting while driving impaired reaction times significantly more than driving while drunk. Society as a whole is aware of the risk of drinking and driving and collectively condemns that behavior. It’s astounding that attitudes regarding cell phone use while driving are so dramatically different.

Many still consider this habit to be acceptable regardless of the risk. Some are reluctant to admit the danger and claim that they have the ability to multitask and drive. However, a study by Carnegie Mellon University shows that simply listening to someone speak while driving reduces cognitive functions by thirty-seven per cent. Regardless of one’s claimed ability to multitask, the fact is clear: Driving performance is drastically impaired by using a cell phone.

One tragic case involved a teen girl in Alaska who fatally hit a man early on Easter Sunday in 2011. The investigation found the girl to be texting while driving and continued to text “OMG, OMG” while leaving the scene of the accident. After hearing news of this story, Jim Wojciehowski, a physician’s assistant in Alaska decided to do something to prevent tragedies like this from occurring in the future. He came up with an idea for a smartphone app that would eliminate phone distraction while driving.

He created Silent Driver, which works by blocking all incoming calls and texts when a user is moving faster than 10 mph. It also locks the phone so that the user can’t place a text or make a call while driving. The phone allows users to include three safe numbers, so if something happens while the user is moving, they can still call for help. Parents have the option to password protect the app on their teenager’s phone to ensure responsible driving, and they receive a notification if there is any attempt to disable it.

By reducing distractions from cell phones, drivers are free from the temptation to use their phones while operating a vehicle. Download Silent Driver for your phone and commit to driving safely. By focusing on the task of driving, you avoid a preventable accident and the risk of harming yourself or others.  No text or call is worth risking your own or your loved ones’ lives. 

Author Bio:
Brandy is an MBA student at the University of Colorado Denver. She enjoys topics related to environmental issues, technology, business, and social responsibility.  Click here for Brandy’s Twitter.

General Safety Issues

NUMBER 7 – HIGHEST PENALTIES ASSESSED BY OSHA 2010

It has taken a while to list and attempt to describe all the top ten OSHA violations and highest penalties assessed for last year, but this is the next-to-last one.  It is my hope that in some way, by seeing not just the list, but what each violation means, workers and employers may be more aware if any hazards exist in their place of work.  Many companies go for years without a lost-time incident; they are very conscientious of the importance of safety.  However, there are many others that may think that safety is not as important, and may put profit ahead of the well-being of their employees.  Safety pays off in the long run, and by doing these reviews,  I hope that attention will be paid to costs incurred, not only in fines, but more importantly, injuries and lives lost. 

Number 7 on our list of highest penalties assessed is: Excavations, requirements for protective systems, construction (29 CFR 1926.652).  Excavation and trenching are among the most hazardous construction operations.  An excavation is any man-made cavity, trench, cut or depression in the earth’s surface formed by earth removal.  A trench is defined as a narrow underground excavation that is deeper than it is wide, and is no wider than 15 feet.   First of all, OSHA standards require that trenches be inspected daily and as conditions change, by a competent person prior to work entry  to ensure elimination of excavation hazards.  This person should be authorized to take prompt corrective measures to eliminate or control these hazards and conditions. 

Cave-ins are the greatest risk and are much more likely than other excavation-related accidents to result in worker fatalities.  According to OSHA, the fatality rate for excavation work is 112% higher than the rate for general construction.  Falls, falling loads, hazardous atmospheres, and incidents involving mobile equipment are other potential hazards.  Collapses of trenches cause dozens of fatalities and hundreds of injuries each year.  This seems to be a job only for the bravest of the brave! 

There are three different types of protective systems, and persons should never enter an unprotected trench.   There are many things to consider when designing a protective system, such as soil classification, water content of soil, changes due to weather or climate, depth of cut, and other materials that will be used in the trench.   Here are ways of making the trench safer: 

  1. Sloping.  This involves cutting back the trench wall at an angle inclined away from the excavation.
  2. Shoring.  This requires installing aluminum hydraulic or other types of supports to prevent soil movement and cave-ins.
  3. Shielding.  This protects workers by using trench boxes or other types of supports to prevent soil cave-ins. 

General Trenching and Excavation Rules from OSHA include:

  • Keep surcharge loads at least 2’ from trench edges.
  • Inspect trenches at the start of each shift.
  • Inspect trenches following a rainstorm.
  • Keep heavy equipment away from trench edges.
  • Know where underground utilities are located, in order to avoid electrocution or explosion.
  • Test for low oxygen, hazardous fumes and toxic gases.
  • Never work under raised loads.

Trenches 20′ deep or greater require that the protective system be designed by a registered professional engineer or be based on tabulated data prepared and/or approved by a registered professional engineer.  Evidentally, excavation safety has not improved to the point of not making the list of highest penalties assessed, since it was classified as 7th.  Let’s hope next year, excavation safety will be off the Top Ten list!

Source: OSHA

General Safety Issues

STUNTMEN AND STUNTWOMEN: ACTING DANGEROUSLY!

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As the fall television season rolls around, we are being inundated with previews for  upcoming shows.  While watching one of those, a female law authority (I believe U.S. Marshall,) jumps off a very high bridge, safely landing in the water.  It was a breathtaking sight, (I hate high places,) and made me wonder who was the “real” person that performed that jump? 

There are many creative persons involved in the making of movies and television programs.  The director spends most of his/her time with the actors, while the stunt coordinator and second-unit director work with the stunt persons to plan, practice, measure, and rehearse until every aspect of the scene is perfect and as safe as possible.  Persons who love to feel the adrenaline rush and have certain skills that most of us wouldn’t dare try, are the faceless, nameless acrobats that produce those most thrilling moments on film.  In many ways, they are the “real stars!” 

Special effects are  an important role in the entertainment industry.  There are sophisticated systems, such as computer generated images, (CGI), that add excitement to films.  However, there are many things that still require a body double/stunt person to accomplish, using their experience and talents to thrill us all. 

It takes years of training in fighting, throwing or taking punches, taking  falls, being set on fire, staging car explosions, wrecks, and just about any daring action you can think of.  Those who jump off high buildings fall into air mattresses, and shorter falls have cardboard boxes with the corners removed for safe landings.  For car wrecks, the cars are modified with special safety equipment such as roll cages and on-board fire extinguishers.  Although it may seem glamorous, stunt persons may have to spend all day in extremely cold or hot places, waiting for time to film their scenes. 

 When a scene requires a person to be set on fire, layers of protective clothing, fire-resistant materials and special gloves and hood are worn.  There is a small breathing apparatus with an oxygen tank inside the hood they wear.  Multiple medical personnel, such as paramedics, must be present during filming.  After the filming is done, digital special effects may be used to complete the project. 

If you are good in gymnastics, motocross, flying a plane, motorcycle riding, or just a big thrill-seeker, this may be the profession for you.  Persons who are agile at rock climbing, skydiving, scuba diving, skiing, high performance drivers, horseback riding, and activities such as these are good candidates to learn stunt skills.    It is a very competitive business, and may take years to become established.  Even though California laws and Hollywood union rules have added regulations to protect stunt persons and film crews,  sometimes deaths occur.  In the early days of film, deaths were common.  Filming sequences that require stuntmen/women are still risky.  Every safety precaution is taken to protect them; they are a unique brand of people doing dangerous work. 

Another type of stunt person is the rodeo clown.  These guys not only entertain the crowd, but they are extremely gifted athletes who can climb in and out of a rolling barrel that can be pushed around by a 1,000 to 2,000 lb. bull who just ejected his rider.  Their main purpose is to save the lives of cowboys, and they earn every dollar they make. 

If you have, or know of a dangerous type of job, please send me your comments.  We live in a very diverse world, and it’s fun to learn about jobs that are different.  Safety first is the key to success in all jobs.

General Safety Issues, Protective Clothing

NORTH TO ALASKA!

It’s always been my dream to go to Alaska, and someday, I hope to make it come true!  After watching the Discovery Channel’s “Deadliest Catch”, however, I don’t think I want to make any career changes!  It takes special persons, to make up the crews on those big fishing vessels.
The lures to become this type of fisherman are money and adventure.  There’s money to be made, depending on the total catch, and how it is divided among the crew.  Since the work is seasonal, the crews work hard to have successful catches.  Newcomers must get experience on other types of fishing boats, such as those fishing for salmon before they can get hired to work on the King Crab ships.  There is usually an abundance of work in canneries and processing, and persons such as students or teachers can enjoy the extra money during their time off from their regular job.
This is one of America’s most dangerous professions; the Bureau of Labor determines the risk factors, and commercial fishing usually tops the list of risky occupations, but there are others that have higher rates of occupational deaths.  From year to year, the lists vary, according to other resources that study occupational injury and death.  Usually the military has been left off the lists; however, because of the wars we are involved in, they have been included, and rightfully so.
While fishing off the Alaskan coast, the crews face turbulent seas, fog, falling overboard and drowning, icy waters, working with huge winches and hoists.  Another major problem is ice, which can form on the masts and decks.  Those who stay at sea for extended periods of time must be well prepared.  Fishermen must have warm clothes, rainsuits, boots, winter liners, and gloves.  If there is illness or injury while out to sea, access to medical assistance is far away.  Because the potential of injury is present, applicants should inquire about the safety policies and procedures the company has established, and obey every safety aspect of the work involved.
The coast of New England also boasts a huge fishing industry, with lobsters being the main attraction.  So, the next time you are in your favorite seafood restaurant, think about the effort and risks taken by those brave souls that furnish the delicacies we take for granted.
It’s always been my dream to go to Alaska, and someday, I hope to make it come true!  After watching the Discovery Channel’s “Deadliest Catch”, however, I don’t think I want to make any career changes!  It takes special persons, to make up the crews on those big fishing vessels.
The lures to become this type of fisherman are money and adventure.  There’s money to be made, depending on the total catch, and how it is divided among the crew.  Since the work is seasonal, the crews work hard to have successful catches.  Newcomers must get experience on other types of fishing boats, such as those fishing for salmon before they can get hired to work on the King Crab ships.  There is usually an abundance of work in canneries and processing, and persons such as students or teachers can enjoy the extra money during their time off from their regular job.
This is one of America’s most dangerous professions; the Bureau of Labor determines the risk factors, and commercial fishing usually tops the list of risky occupations, but there are others that have higher rates of occupational deaths.  From year to year, the lists vary, according to other resources that study occupational injury and death.  Usually the military has been left off the lists; however, because of the wars we are involved in, they have been included, and rightfully so.
While fishing off the Alaskan coast, the crews face turbulent seas, fog, falling overboard and drowning, icy waters, working with huge winches and hoists.  Another major problem is ice, which can form on the masts and decks.  Those who stay at sea for extended periods of time must be well prepared.  Fishermen must have warm clothes, rainsuits, boots, winter liners, and gloves.  If there is illness or injury while out to sea, access to medical assistance is far away.  Because the potential of injury is present, applicants should inquire about the safety policies and procedures the company has established, and obey every safety aspect of the work involved.
The coast of New England also boasts a huge fishing industry, with lobsters being the main attraction.  So, the next time you are in your favorite seafood restaurant, think about the effort and risks taken by those brave souls that furnish the delicacies we take for granted.
General Safety Issues

DISTRACTED DRIVERS ARE DEADLY DRIVERS, Part II

Week four of National Safety Month, 2010, in the U.S. focuses on distracted drivers using cell phones.  Parts of this article were originally written for week four of National Safety Month, 2009; however, things haven’t changed very much in a year’s time.  There have probably been more persons to add to the statistics that have killed or injured by someone who was texting or using a cell phone while driving.  (On ABC News last night, it was reported that there is a 23% more risk of an accident if texting on a cell phone while driving.) Let’s hope someone out there will heed this message.
Our vehicles now have so many complex DVD players, CD players, bluetooth and satellite navigation systems that it’s a wonder we actually have time to focus on the main thing – driving!  The National Highway Transportation Highway Safety Administration reports that distracted drivers cause nearly 4 out of 5 motor vehicle crashes in the United States.  Now we get to the major culprit: cell phones.    In a survey taken by a major insurance company, almost 40% of teens and young adults admitted that they send and receive text messages while driving, and also said they hit someone while doing so, or were almost hit by another car whose driver was talking/texting on their cell phone.
In our article earlier this year, “Thank You, Oprah,” we recognized this celebrity who has convinced thousands of drivers to take the “No Phone Zone Pledge.”  If you have seen just one of her shows that features a family or person who has been affected by an accident caused by a driver using their cell phone or texting while driving, it should have convinced you to sign her pledge. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration reports that more than 150,000 persons are injured in accidents caused by drivers either texting or talking on their cell phones each year.
The next time you get behind the wheel, think about your total commitment to safe driving.  Things that are going on in your life that might cause you to become distracted, are not worth losing your life over.  Try this:
o Turn the cell phone off.  Your messages will be on it when you arrive safely at your destination.  (In your heart, you know it’s the right thing to do!)
o Visit with your passengers without looking at them. (They can still hear you.)
o Don’t eat while driving, and of course, don’t drink alcohol while driving (it’s against the law!),
o Put your make up on before you leave the house.
o Do your reading at home, work, or the library!
o Set your entertainment or navigation systems before you start.
o Strap in the kids and hope for the best.
More and more travelers will take to the roads during the summer months.  Always stay focused on being a safe driver.  That should be your #1 priority every time you start the car.  Don’t let distractions get in your way.
Week four of National Safety Month, 2010, in the U.S. focuses on distracted drivers using cell phones.  Parts of this article were originally written for week four of National Safety Month, 2009; however, things haven’t changed very much in a year’s time.  There have probably been more persons to add to the statistics that have killed or injured by someone who was texting or using a cell phone while driving.  (On ABC News recently, it was reported that there is a 23% more risk of an accident if texting on a cell phone while driving.) Let’s hope someone out there will heed this message.
Our vehicles now have so many complex DVD players, CD players, bluetooth and satellite navigation systems that it’s a wonder we actually have time to focus on the main thing – driving!  The National Highway Transportation Highway Safety Administration reports that distracted drivers cause nearly 4 out of 5 motor vehicle crashes in the United States.  Now we get to the major culprit: cell phones.    In a survey taken by a major insurance company, almost 40% of teens and young adults admitted that they send and receive text messages while driving, and also said they hit someone while doing so, or were almost hit by another car whose driver was talking/texting on their cell phone.
In our article earlier this year, “Thank You, Oprah,” we recognized this celebrity who has convinced thousands of drivers to take the “No Phone Zone Pledge.”  If you have seen just one of her shows that features a family or person who has been affected by an accident caused by a driver using their cell phone or texting while driving, it should have convinced you to sign her pledge. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration reports that more than 150,000 persons are injured in accidents caused by drivers either texting or talking on their cell phones each year.
The next time you get behind the wheel, think about your total commitment to safe driving.  Things that are going on in your life that might cause you to become distracted, are not worth losing your life over.  Try this:
  • Turn the cell phone off.  Your messages will be on it when you arrive safely at your destination.  (In your heart, you know it’s the right thing to do!)
  • Visit with your passengers without looking at them. (They can still hear you.)
  • Don’t eat while driving, and of course, don’t drink alcohol while driving (it’s against the law!),
  • Put your make up on before you leave the house.
  • Do your reading at home, work, or the library!
  • Set your entertainment or navigation systems before you start.
  • Strap in the kids and hope for the best.
More and more travelers will take to the roads during the summer months.  Always stay focused on being a safe driver.  That should be your #1 priority every time you start the car.  Don’t let distractions get in your way.
General Safety Issues

STRESSFUL JOBS EQUAL DANGEROUS JOBS

A short time ago, we presented an article that asked, “What Are the Most Dangerous Jobs in America?”   Some jobs that are stressful may not be as demanding as dangerous jobs; however, they can create so much pressure that they are as harmful to an individual than the ones that carry a lot of risk.

Based on a study done by CareerCast.com, listed below are the five top stressful jobs of 200 hundred occupations, and were based on 21 stress-causing factors and how significant these demands figure into the average workday.  Certain job demands are competitiveness, risk of unemployment, and the opportunity for advancement.  It’s interesting that some of the five were also on our list of America’s Most Dangerous Jobs, and reference will be made to our articles, in case you wish to review them.

1.    Firefighters – Stress Rank 200.  Whether they are professional or volunteer firefighters, these men and women are on call and risk their lives to protect our homes, businesses, and wilderness from devastating fires.  They experience smoke inhalation, heat exhaustion, and may be required to work outdoors for long hours, in all weather elements.

2.    Corporate executives – Stress Rank 199.  These people make decisions that are important to employees and their company’s success or failure on a daily basis.  They may work many more hours than their workers realize.  Their world is a very competitive one.

3.    Taxi drivers – Stress Rank 198.  Our article, “Have You Taken A Taxi Lately?” describes the risks that taxi drivers experience every day.  Their hours are erratic, which include nights and weekends.  Driving through heavy traffic, especially in bad weather and being responsible for passengers can create a very heavy stress load.

4.    Surgeons – Stress Rank 197.  It may take hours for a surgeon to perform one operation.   Add several more surgeries to that, or emergency surgery during odd hours, and their level of stress can be high.  In addition to the fatigue factor, the decisions they must make affects the lives of their patients.  Their job demands precision and perfection.

5.    Police Officers – Stress Rank 196.  Law enforcement officers face life-threatening  situations – sometimes on a daily basis.  They have to work long shifts, be ready for emergencies, and present physical and emotional strength to the public they serve.  Our article, “Want to Go Into Law Enforcement?” talks about the dangers our officers incur.

Other stressful and dangerous jobs we have discussed include “Dangerous Job: Coal Miners; (before the terrible explosion in West Virginia,), and “Timberrrr”-logging industry dangers.

A final note: any occupation that has to do with producing our nation’s energy is dangerous.  A current example is the tragic off-shore rig explosion in the Gulf of Mexico.  Whether drilling on land or in the water, persons working on drilling rigs respect the dangers that go along with their jobs.  Persons that work on well service rigs, in refineries, coal mines, and companies that contract with oil and gas companies are trained to be familiar with the risks involved in their particular duties.  Stress and danger seem to go hand-in-hand in many occupations.  We have named just a few today.

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Head Protection

DANGEROUS JOB-COAL MINING

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Coal mining is considered one of America’s top ten most dangerous jobs.  There are more than 50 countries that produce coal, China leading the list.  Suffocation, gas poisoning, roof collapses, and gas explosions are just a few of the dangers that coal miners face, in addition to health risks, such as “black lung” disease.  Because China employs thousands more coal miners, their fatality rate is much greater than those in the U.S.

Coal produces more than one-half of the electricity for our nation.  In eastern states such as Kentucky, families of miners have been mining coal for generations.  Coal is the means of creating electricity, methanol, coke for steel manufacture, and fuel in power generators, referred to as steaming or thermal coal.  To make cement, extracts of iron from iron ore are used.

Through technological advancements, coal mining today is more productive than ever.  Computers furnish most of the safety monitoring systems, assisting the industry in keeping their workers safer.  PPE, such as hardhat lights, are standard equipment for miners.

The Department of Labor’s Mine Safety and Health Administration has many suggestions to ensure the safety of mines, such as gas monitoring, gas drainage, electrical equipment, better ventilation, reducing the risks of rock falls, and measuring unhealthy air quality.  One cause of fatal injuries is collapsing rock pillars, which support rock between the mine and surface.  When the coal is extracted from these pillars once the coal has been mined, the pillars sometimes fall, trapping miners inside.

Cold weather is another hazard, as methane builds along with the unnaturally low barometric pressure.  The MSHA notes that every mine must have its individual ventilation plan to keep methane at safe levels.  Proper air pressure differential is essential in order to carry the level of gas away from working areas.  There should be regularly scheduled hazard inspections of air shafts, air movements and escape routes.

As coal dust can cause explosions, constant maintenance must be done on equipment that could be a source of sparks.  No smoking or smoking materials are allowed, as common sense would dictate.

When mining accidents are announced on the news, we realize how hard and risky their daily jobs are.  Their families carry on with their lives, but worry that an accident could happen any time.   When something goes wrong, we observe the dedication on the faces of the rescue workers to get to their comrades and bring them out safely.  Coal miners work in very restricted areas; one man compared it to working underneath your kitchen table for several hours.  I think I prefer sitting behind my desk!  But I do appreciate the history behind this industry, and those persons who help keep America moving forward.