MSHA Urges Miners to Keep Cool

Aug. 28, 2000
Summer isn't over yet. MSHA warns all surface and underground miners to be mindful of the high temperatures.

The calendar may show the end of summer coming soon, but temperatures in the west are in full swing with record-setting highs throughout most of the region.

The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) is urging all surface and underground miners to be mindful of the high temperatures and avoid prolonged exposure to extreme heat.

Over the past five years, approximately 150 miners have suffered from heat-related illnesses where they required time off, medical treatment or hospitalization, according to MSHA statistics.

In mining, as in other industries, workers exposed to excessively hot conditions can suffer from a variety of heat-related disorders, from the relatively mild heat rash to life-threatening heat stroke, said MSHA.

The agency said miners most likely to succumb to heat stress are those not acclimated to the high temperature, have had a previous heat-related illness, take certain medications, are over 45 or in poor physical condition.

Depending on the severity of exposure, symptoms of heat stress can range from clammy skin to muscle spasms, dizziness, nausea, abnormally high body temperatures, disorientation and convulsions.

In even the most minor cases, heat can adversely affect a miner''s capacity to work safely, cause loss of dexterity and coordination, and hamper his ability to make quick decisions, said MSHA.

To prevent heat stress, MSHA recommends the following:

  • Drink plenty of fluids, especially those containing electrolytes.
  • Work in well-ventilated areas.
  • Do heavy work in the coolest part of the day.
  • Take rest breaks in cooler areas.
  • Adjust to a hot work environment by working a 50 percent workload the first day and gradually increasing the load.
  • Wear light-colored clothing with breathable fabric.

by Virginia Sutcliffe

About the Author

EHS Today Staff

EHS Today's editorial staff includes:

Dave Blanchard, Editor-in-Chief: During his career Dave has led the editorial management of many of Endeavor Business Media's best-known brands, including IndustryWeekEHS Today, Material Handling & LogisticsLogistics Today, Supply Chain Technology News, and Business Finance. In addition, he serves as senior content director of the annual Safety Leadership Conference. With over 30 years of B2B media experience, Dave literally wrote the book on supply chain management, Supply Chain Management Best Practices (John Wiley & Sons, 2021), which has been translated into several languages and is currently in its third edition. He is a frequent speaker and moderator at major trade shows and conferences, and has won numerous awards for writing and editing. He is a voting member of the jury of the Logistics Hall of Fame, and is a graduate of Northern Illinois University.

Adrienne Selko, Senior Editor: In addition to her roles with EHS Today and the Safety Leadership Conference, Adrienne is also a senior editor at IndustryWeek and has written about many topics, with her current focus on workforce development strategies. She is also a senior editor at Material Handling & Logistics. Previously she was in corporate communications at a medical manufacturing company as well as a large regional bank. She is the author of Do I Have to Wear Garlic Around My Neck?, which made the Cleveland Plain Dealer's best sellers list.

Nicole Stempak, Managing Editor:  Nicole Stempak is managing editor of EHS Today and conference content manager of the Safety Leadership Conference.

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