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Mining Injuries 2012-2019: Using Workers' Compensation Claims Data From 35 States to Identify Rates and Costs
John R Heberger1, Steven J Wurzelbacher
1From the Pittsburgh Mining Research Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (J.R.H.); and Division of Field Studies and Engineering, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, Ohio (S.J.W.).
Objective:
This study summarized the frequency and cost of mining-related injuries.
Methods:
Mining-related workers' compensation (WC) claims data from 35 states were summarized to report counts, claim rates, and costs for 2012-2019. These data were compared with Mine Safety and Health Administration injury and employment data for the same period.
Results:
Despite system differences, both WC and Mine Safety and Health Administration counts and rates declined over time and injury patterns were similar. Total WC costs were approximately $2.325B. Medical-only claims represented 59.4% of the claims by count, but only 3.3% of costs. Lost-time nonfatal claims represented 40.2% of the claims by count, but 90.2% of costs. Claims frequency and costs varied greatly by injury event/exposure, part of body, and nature.
Conclusions:
Injury frequency has declined but costs remain high. The most costly and disabling cases were identified.
