The mining sector represents a huge slice of the global economy, employing millions of people worldwide and producing coal, metal and non-metal minerals from thousands of mine sites.

Mining is a dangerous occupation in itself, but underground mining is particularly hazardous, with a rate of reported accidents many times higher than above-ground mining. Underground coal mines represent the greatest level of risk compared with above-ground coal-mining operations, and many of the world’s worst mining disasters have occurred in coal mines.

The most common types of underground mining accidents vary, depending on the type of mine, the region, and the safety standards of the governing body. Here are five of the most common hazards that lead to accidents and injuries.

1. Explosions

Explosions can occur when methane (a highly explosive gas trapped between layers of coal) is released, which can be caused by improper or miscalculated use of tools in the mine, or when a gas detecting appliance isn’t used. Other combustible materials such as coal dust and other gases also cause explosions. Fires can result from these explosions, leading to asphyxiation – a common cause of worker fatality as the mine is starved of oxygen, and carbon monoxide is produced in its place.

2. Falling objects, including roof collapse.

A roof collapse can occur when mine props subside after a tremor or explosion. Mines located in seismically active locations are at particular risk of tremors or earthquakes, and the use of explosives in these regions can also trigger an earthquake. Fallen structures such as roofs can collapse on or trap miners. Workers can also be struck by falling rocks and other debris during a tremor.

3. Machinery, including powered haulage.

A significant source of personal injury is by contact with machinery, incorrect use of machinery, or an accident involving powered haulage. Contact with drilling or cutting machinery causes entrapment or crushing of limbs or digits. Electrocution is also a common cause of injury.

One cause of machinery malfunction can be overheating. Sufficient cooling systems are essential for the efficient and safe operation of underground mines. Without proper cooling systems in place, machinery can fail or catch fire, causing hazards and leading to accidents.

4. Physical overexertion

This is thought to be one of the major causes of accidents, with some data reporting that around one-third of injuries occur as a result. These types of injuries often happen when a worker is required to use tools in awkward positions, where operators can easily become fatigued and proper control of such tools becomes difficult.

Overexertion injuries are more likely to occur with increasing employee age, and to inexperienced workers.

5. Falls

Falls can happen for a range of reasons, including mounting or dismounting vehicles or machinery, in which a worker can be thrown off, or simply walking around in the work environment where falls and slips can occur due to debris underfoot. Sometimes the fall results in a collision with a stationary object, causing an injury, or a worker can fall from a platform onto a lower level platform. Falling from heights is more likely to result in death than other types of falls, and in many cases the injury risk is exacerbated by inadequate use of protective equipment such as harnesses, or lack of preventative measures such as barriers around an opening.