Mine & Quarry Accident Claims
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Mines and Quarries are dangerous places as they involve heavy machinery, materials which are capable of causing injury and working at height and on platforms.
Causes of accidents in coal mines can include gas explosions, dust explosions, collapsing of equipment and general mechanical error. Mercifully these types of accidents are not common although historically, when they have occurred, they have been very serious, claiming many lives.
Injury claims in coal mines can also arise through the development of respiratory conditions such as chronic bronchitis, emphysema. These are usually triggered by the inhalation of coal mine dust.
As with all personal injury claims, you have to be able to show that the mine operator breached its duty of care by not keeping dust levels down to a reasonable standard, and/or not providing its employees with protective equipments. You also have to be able to show that the injury in question was caused by the failures of care. This can be complex and requires a solicitor with skill and experience of these types of claims.
Mining and quarry claims can also arise from industrial diseases such as Noise Induced Deafness caused by exposure to noise made by pneumatic percussive tools. Employers have a legal duty to protect employees from harmful noise. If they do not comply with this, and it causes injury, you will be able to make a claim.
Similarly, prolonged use of handheld powered percussive drill can cause an upper limb disorder called Vibration White Finger (VWF). Symptoms of this include tingling and numbness in the hands. Again employers are under a duty to minimise vibration and provide protective equipment. Failure to do so may give rise to a claim.