Finding ways to improve safety is a goal that is shared by individuals in many professions. However, as some fields are inherently more dangerous than others, the need for safety may be more prevalent in certain industries. If you work in the mining industry, you may face various hazards nearly every day, and you might wonder about what steps to take to improve miner safety.
One area in which changes to mining regulations could help improve safety could pertain to regulations for silica exposure. Recent studies on this topic highlight the threat such issues place on the safety and well-being of miners. Addressing this data could help you prepare to step forward and push for changes to safety measures.
Silica exposure data
Data from recent studies highlights the risks of silica exposure among miners in West Virginia and neighboring states. Researchers indicate that, in the past four years, more than 80% of chest x-rays identifying large opacities involved miners from this region. Miner advocates assert that this stems from inadequate protective measures against silica exposure, placing miners at greater risk of developing illnesses such as black lung disease.
Researchers also released shocking information from another study on the prevalence of black lung disease among miners in this region. Studies of data from 1970 to 2017 indicated that black lung disease affected more than 20% of miners with 25 or more years of experience in this field.
Miner advocates are calling for changes to federal standards to bring increased protection against silica exposure to the mining industry. This includes requests to reduce MSHA permissible exposure limits. With the toll silica exposure can take on a miner’s health and life, advocates may feel that changes to safety regulations are a necessary component to improving safety in this profession.
Benefits and resources for miners
Unfortunately, silica exposure remains a prevalent concern in the mining industry, and the outcome of such issues could take a devastating toll on your health and well-being. Illnesses stemming from silica exposure could also affect your ability to return to work and prompt a variety of financial hardships in life.
When facing similar issues, it may be understandable to have questions about what resources are available to you and what steps you can take to safeguard your future interests. Seeking guidance in addressing your situation could prove vital to helping you better understand your options and placing you in a position to seek the full amount of compensation achievable via the proper channels.