Fall from equipment injuries in U.S. mining: identification of specific research areas for future investigation.
BACKGROUND
The objective of this study was to evaluate the circumstances leading to fall from equipment injuries in the mining industry.


METHODS
The 2006 and 2007 Mine Safety and Health Administration annual injury databases were utilized for this study whereby the injury narrative, nature of injury, body part injured, mine type, age at injury, and days lost were evaluated for each injury.


RESULTS
The majority of injuries occurred at surface mining facilities (approximately 60%) with fractures and sprains/strains being the most common injuries occurring to the major joints of the body. Nearly 50% of injuries occurred during ingress/egress, predominantely during egress, and approximately 25% of injuries occurred during maintenance tasks. The majority of injuries occurred in relation to large trucks, wheel loaders, dozers, and conveyors/belts. The severity of injury was independent of age and the median days lost was seven days; however, there was a large range in severity.


CONCLUSIONS
From the data obtained in this study, several different research areas have been identified for future work, which include balance and stability control when descending ladders and equipment design for maintenance tasks.
Moore
Susan M
SM
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, USA. SMMoore@cdc.gov
Porter
William L
WL
Dempsey
Patrick G
PG
D000058:Accidental Falls / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D000062:Accidents, Occupational / Q000639:trends*; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003032:Coal Mining; D019992:Databases as Topic; D004864:Equipment and Supplies; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000145:classification; D055815:Young Adult