Epidemiology of work-related Accidents in Kerman Coal Mines during 1991-2006

There are annually millions of work-related accidents leading to either loss of life or disability. Coal mine workers, due to the nature of their work, are at a higher risk of work accidents. With regard to the importance of health statue of skilled workers and prevention of work-related injuries, in this study work-related injuries in Kerman Coal Mines during 1991-2006 were analyzed.

In this descriptive study, the recorded and approved data of accidents occurred during 1991-2006 were collected from the documents of Kerman coal mines office and Safety indices (frequency, severity and frequency- severity of accidents) were extracted and analyzed.

There were a total of 3642 accidents during 16 years and an average of 228 accidents per year. From all accidents, 51 cases had resulted in death of which most cases were related to the year 1993 (13 cases) and the least cases were related to the years 1992, 1994, 1996, 1997 (each year one case). Mean frequency percent, severity and frequency-severity were 31.3 ±25.9, 4739.8 ±11275.1 and 9.3 ±12.4 respectively. According to the results of chart control, accident frequency percent except for the years 2002 and 1994 which were respectively a little more and less than the expected rates, in the other years was in the expected range. Severity and frequency-severity of accidents during the 16-year period were in the expected range.

In whole, safety indices during the 16 years were stable and in the expected range. In other words, there has been no change for the improvement of safety conditions. Therefore, in order to achieve the required standards and to provide more safety for coal mines workers, it is required that all related organizations take efficient coordinated measures.