Occupational noise in coal mining -- A continuing problem
- Pittsburgh Research Center, PA (United States). Dept. of Energy
Overexposure to noise, as defined by current Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) regulations, is a widespread problem in mining that can lead to serious worker hearing handicaps. Noise-induced hearing loss has also been recognized by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) as one of the ten leading work-related diseases and injuries in this country. A 1976 epidemiological study performed by NIOSH confirmed that coal miners suffer significant work related hearing loss. For example, at that time, by age 60 more than 70% of the underground coal miners surveyed had a hearing loss exceeding 25 dB which medically and legally classifies them as hearing handicapped. More recent data indicate that overexposure to noise continues to be a problem for miners in all areas of mining and minerals processing. The number of miners overexposed to noise far overshadows the number overexposed to any other mining occupational health hazard such as coal dust or radiation. This paper reviews the history of mining noise and its control since passage of the Coal Mine Health and Safety Act of 1969. In addition, an assessment of the potential impact on the industry of proposed changes in the noise regulations is provided. An OSHA style hearing conservation program might help to alleviate some of this problem. The reasons for this recommendation are twofold: first, a large number of miners are suffering occupational hearing handicaps, and second, the cost to the industry is projected to skyrocket in the form of hearing loss compensation if this recommendation is not followed.
- OSTI ID:
- 549521
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-960954-; TRN: IM9751%%204
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: 13. annual international Pittsburgh coal conference, Pittsburgh, PA (United States), 3-7 Sep 1996; Other Information: PBD: 1996; Related Information: Is Part Of Thirteenth annual international Pittsburgh coal conference: Proceedings. Volume 2; Chiang, S.H. [ed.]; PB: 819 p.
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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