West Virginia had the highest population of coal miners in the United States (12.1k), followed by Kentucky and Wyoming. Let’s take a closer look at the daily life of a coal miner and gain insight into the world inside a coal mine.
Coal mining has long been a vital industry, powering economies and fueling progress around the world. Yet the daily life of a coal miner remains shrouded in mystery for many. From the depths of the earth to the heart of industrial production, coal miners endure a challenging and often hazardous existence.
Shift Begins
For coal extraction workers, the day typically begins long before the sun rises. In the predawn hours, miners gather at the entrance to the mine.
They don their protective gear and receive safety briefings before descending into the depths of the mine shafts below. Mining is dangerous work, and safety precautions cannot be neglected in any circumstance. So, miners wear different protective gear and follow the safety precautions to keep themselves from harm’s way.
PPE, the gear most miners wear, ensures their safety in the deep dark of the coal mines. PPE or Personal Protective Equipment comprises gear like safety glasses, hats, mining boots, and respirators.
It is extremely important to wear those PPE kits because they protect the miners from hazardous chemicals, dust, and dirt. So, the day begins really early, and they wear their PPE kits and journey to the deep dark of the mines.
The journey underground can be treacherous, with narrow tunnels, steep inclines, and low ceilings posing constant hazards.
Work Environment
Once inside the mine, coal miners are greeted by a world of darkness and dust. The air is thick with the smell of coal and machinery, and the sound of heavy equipment echoes through the tunnels.
Temperatures often soar to uncomfortable levels, and ventilation systems work overtime to maintain airflow.
Calling the work environment of a coal mine harsh would be an understatement. Workers have to toil and work in a dark, dusty, and cold environment. In the summer season, it can get really humid, and the temperature can go high.
On top of that, mining in the coal mine is a strenuous job. Shoveling coal and transporting it on heavy carts require the hands of laborious people.
The harsh environment takes a toll on the human body. It poses a serious threat to different parts of the human body. For example, it can cause respiratory, gastrointestinal, dermatological, nose, ear, and throat-related problems.
Daily Tasks
Coal miners perform a variety of tasks throughout their shift, depending on their role and the specific needs of the mine. Some miners operate heavy machinery, such as continuous miners or shuttle cars, to extract coal from the seam. Others work as roof bolters, reinforcing the ceiling of the mine to prevent collapses.
The Dangers
Working in a coal mine is inherently dangerous, with risks ranging from cave-ins and explosions to exposure to harmful gasses and dust. Despite advancements in safety technology and regulations, accidents still occur, and miners must always be prepared for the unexpected. There are different safety hazards that can be life-threatening occasionally. Collapsing mines, suffocation, explosion, and gas poisoning are occasional events in coal mines.
Taking an underground mining training course helps coal miners prepare better for what’s coming their way.
The Physical Toll
The physical toll of coal mining is undeniable, with long hours, heavy labor, and exposure to harsh conditions taking a toll on the body. Many coal miners suffer from chronic health issues, including respiratory problems, musculoskeletal disorders, and hearing loss, as a result of their work underground.
End of Shift
As the shift draws to a close, coal miners emerge from the depths of the mine, weary but proud of their day’s work. Covered in coal dust and sweat, they make their way back to the surface, where they are greeted by the light of day and the fresh air above ground.
How to Become a Coal Miner?
Despite the challenges, the human spirit of doing the impossible never ceases to exist. We eventually like doing what is difficult, and some even take pride in it, and that’s the spirit that transformed this massive infrastructure and modern civilization. There are people who aspire to become coal miners.
Here is a road map someone willing to become a coal miner should take –
1. The Basic Requirements
First, one needs to fulfill the basic requirements to become a coal miner. It includes having a GED or high school diploma. But, on top of the diploma and the GED, the eligibility criteria bound one to be a minimum of 18 years of age to become a coal miner. Also, one needs to have peak physical ability, proper movability of their limbs, and good eyesight and hearing capabilities. The first step is the completion of the physical exam. It determines one’s eligibility for becoming a coal miner.
2. Research Mines
It is extremely important to research mines before thinking of starting to work as a miner. Depending on the nature of the mines, requirements may vary. So, it is important to inquire about the requirements of the mines based on locations. Good research on the mines one intends to work at will clarify areas of requirements.
3. Complete Coal Miners Training
Different states have coal mining training where they teach new miners about the procedures, methods, and skills required. Usually, the training is 40 hours long, with 16 hours of work at the mines itself.
4. Apprenticeship
Apprenticeship training includes working under senior mining professionals who supervise an apprentice’s work. It usually lasts for six months. However, in some states, apprenticeships can last for a year as well.
5. Get Certified
Once the apprenticeship is over, one has to apply for the state’s mining certificates. This fulfills the eligibility for becoming a coal miner.
6. Apply For Jobs
Once all of those steps are fulfilled, it is time to apply for a job as a coal miner.
Inside a Coal Mine, Life Is Harsh and Unforgiving
Despite the challenges they face, coal miners return to the mine day after day, driven by a sense of duty and the knowledge that their work is essential to the world around them. That’s the kind of person you would need to be if you wish to become a coal miner, spending your days inside a coal mine every day.
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