Mining Publication: Coal Contractor Mining Facts - 2003

In 2003, a total of 2,633 contracting companies reported employment at coal mines to the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA). A total of 28,672 coal contractor employees, corresponding to 16,098 full-time equivalent (FTE) employees, were reported to MSHA in 2003. This represents a 4.1% decrease in FTE coal contractor employees from 2002. Eight work-related fatalities occurred among coal contractor employees in 2003, compared to seven in 2002. There were 441 nonfatal lost-time injuries among coal contractor employees occurring at a rate of 2.7 injuries per 100 FTEs in 2003. A total of 32,809 days lost from work resulted from these injuries. Thirteen cases of occupational illness in coal contractor employees were reported to MSHA in 2003. There were five cases of black lung (coal workers' pneumoconiosis); four cases of joint, tendon, or muscle inflammation or irritation; two cases of hearing impairment; and one case each of dermatitis and heat stroke.