There are approximately 13,000 mines in the United States, some of which are located in Illinois. The mining industry is prone to workplace accidents. In fact, it is known to be one of the most dangerous industries of all. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says it has come up with a way to keep miners safer on the job.
As many as 6,000 workers are injured in mines every year. While some miners suffer injuries in unexpected accidents, others develop lung diseases and other illnesses due to exposure to toxins in the workplace. The CDC claims that failure to implement safety procedures and adhere to regulations increases the number of worker injuries that occur in the mining industry.
Many workers who agreed to participate in a survey said that their supervisors disregard alerts in the workplace when employees observe safety practice violations. The workers say they are reluctant to report what they know because their supervisors will not listen to them. According to the CDC, communication between employers and workers, as well as between managers and supervisors, is a key factor toward improving workplace safety.
Many workplace accidents (not just those that occur in mines) in Illinois and other states are later determined to have been preventable were it not for employer negligence. Injured workers are typically entitled to file claims to receive benefits, especially if their injuries prevent them from returning to the workplace in a timely manner. Challenges may arise when applying for benefits, especially if an insurance company tries to deny a claim. In this case, it pays to align oneself with an experienced workers’ compensation law attorney.
