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The mining industry - work-related accidents and industrial disease

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CoalUnderground, surface or opencast – mining is a risky business whichever category of the industry you are employed in.

Mining accident at work

Accidents are common and, given the nature of the environment, can result in serious injuries and fatalities. The most common accident risks include:

  • Major rock falls - causing crush injuries, broken bones and head injuries.
  • Inrush - where water and material enters a mine unexpectedly causing drowning
  • Fire - ignition of fuels such as coal/coal dust, wood, paper, plastics etc.
  • Explosions - often as a result of ignition of fumes caused by sparks from cutting machinery. Also compression of gases and mishandling of explosives
  • Vehicles - if clear demarcation of vehicular routes is not present there can be risk of collision for workers
  • Moving machinery - contact with moving machinery such as conveyer belts and lifting equipment can cause various personal injuries
  • Hazardous substances - numerous chemicals are used in mining and related processes as well as fuels and acetylene for welding and soldering

Mining and industrial disease

Miners not only face the accident risks which can result in serious injury or death, but their industry has a high rate of industrial illness caused by the conditions in which they have to work. 
These include:

  • Pneumoconiosis - or miner's lung, which is caused by breathing in coal dust
  • Musculoskeletal disorders - caused by the hard, physical work carried out
  • Vibration white finger and hand arm vibration syndrome - caused by the use of hand-held vibrating machinery
  • Osteoarthritis - of the knee
  • Industrial deafness - caused by loud machinery and tools

Talk to Thompsons' personal injury solicitors today

If you or a loved one have been injured in a mining accident or suffered ill health after working in a mine or in a mining-related industry you may be entitled to compensation. 

It always helps to speak to someone who knows the issues and the implications involved in making a claim and we are here to help. Thompsons Solicitors is the leading personal injury firm in the country. We have specialist teams dealing with all types of workplace accident including occupational respiratory diseases and VWF. 

Sometimes, mining-related illnesses can take time to show symptoms, so, even if you have not been working as a miner, if you develop symptoms you should speak to a personal injury solicitor who can help you establish the facts of your case.

Give us a call on 0800 0891 331. One of our specialist injury lawyers will be happy to talk things through, free of charge and with no obligation.
 

Legal services for 5 1177
Based on 2023 reviews
Excellent
5/5
5 / 5

Would recommend

Natalie was very supportive and informative from taking on my case to it being finalised. Clear communication, advice and regular contact.

Amanda
2 November 2024
5 / 5

Hard work paid off

After having my case turned down by another company I turned to thompsons hoping that they would take on my case. They did and now after a long time we have had the result we wanted. I cannot thank Joel and the rest of the team that worked on my case enough, they are a credit to thompsons. They supported me continuously throughout and always gave me good information regarding how the case was going and next steps etc.

James allen
25 October 2024
5 / 5

Fantastic

Natalie has been amazing from start to finish. Very informative throughout the process, explaining things to ensure I always understood the process. Met with other employees who were professional and so friendly, making me feel at ease. I felt valued at all times. Would recommend 100%.

Amanda
17 October 2024
5 / 5

Very good advice and explanation of detail for my case

Excellent explanation of my case and very good advice

Jorge silva
4 October 2024
5 / 5

Guidance and Support

Robert Cranston and his team were very helpful and providing me with clarity and support throughout the whole process. I wasn't sure at first on the process and was anxious as never been in a position like that before. Robert eased fears and was extremely helpful from beginning to end. Thank you

Matthew Weir
20 August 2024
5 / 5

Great guidance and support

Robert and his team have provided really great support and guidance over what has been an almost 5 year process. Having never been in this situation before I wouldn’t have known what to expect or what was reasonable but I have had support each step of the way. Should I have to go through something like this again I would hope to be allocated the same team. Thank you!

Penny Thompson
8 August 2024
5 / 5

Excellent service

I found the whole team of Joel Very helpful and pleasant helpled through my claim explaining everything clearly as we went along Will definitely recommend them to anyone

John turner
25 July 2024
5 / 5

Professional service

Michael handled what was a very complex and long drawn out case with the utmost care and professionalism. He worked tirelessly to negotiate a sizeable settlement and ensured I was kept up-to-date throughout the process plus explained all the legal jargon clearly. Michael was always very polite and kind whenever we spoke and answered all questions and queries with such care. Michael truly is an asset to Thompsons and I would thoroughly recommend him to others.

Rebecca
26 June 2024
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