Is Mining Dangerous?
According to expert sources at the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), mining was the single most dangerous industry for workers until 2001. With 23.5 deaths for every 100,000 workers, mining places above industrial fishing, forestry, and agriculture. Just to show how high the number is, let’s consider the construction industry. Although considered by many as a dangerous work placement, there are only 12.2 deaths per 100,000 construction workers, around half the number of reported deaths in mining. Since 2001, the number of deaths in mining has been declining gradually. The US Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) now reports that mining has fallen considerably in the list of dangerous occupations. Taxi drivers, roofers, and pilots now place higher than mining. The change is mainly due to the industry’s efforts in reducing explosion risks and improving air quality. Improvements in equipment and procedures have also made a big difference. All in all, the rate of injuries has decrea
