RISK EVALUATION OF LOST-TIME INJURIES IN THE COAL MINING INDUSTRY OF PAKISTAN

Abstract Lost-time accidents frequently occur in underground coal mining, which result in a substantial amount of lost workdays. In order to evaluate injury risks for the underground mining industry in Pakistan, two years record of lost-time accidents were collected and analysed. Risk indices were computed for different variables, such as cause of accidents; age and job of the injured person; place of accidents; and part of the body injured. These indices incorporate information that has not been used in traditional accident analysis. Fall of ground type accidents were the major cause followed by haulage and transport. More than 50 % of accidents occurred at or near the working faces and coal cutters/ face workers were found to be at a higher risk as compared to all other job categories. Injuries to hand and foot for all group of workers were comparatively higher than those to all other parts of the body. Workers in the age group of (21-30) years were involved in the majority of the lost-time accidents. Regular and systematic analysis of lost-time accidents should be made which may be helpful in reducing the frequency and severity of these accidents. &nbsp