Mining Industry

Mining Safety Stats: The Need for Proper Employee Screening

The mining industry has seen its fair share of catastrophic events. Since 1839, there have been 726 mining disasters with 5 or more fatalities per disaster. In fact, these incidents have claimed the lives of over 15,000 miners, with an average of 20 major accidents happening annually. A large portion of these disasters is caused by preventable issues such as explosions, roof falls, and transportation accidents, which often result from human error or failure to follow workplace safety protocols.

As one of the world's most crucial energy sources, coal continues to power a significant portion of global energy needs. However, coal mining accidents remain a major concern, especially as mining operations go deeper underground. Studies reveal that over 90% of coal mine accidents are linked to human factors, often resulting from unsafe behaviors and actions taken by workers. These behaviors, when combined with the increasing complexity of deeper mining operations, create an environment where risky actions can easily lead to catastrophic events.

To mitigate these risks, implementing thorough mining drug tests, occupational health tests, and background screenings is essential to ensuring that workers are physically and mentally fit for the demanding tasks they face underground.

Drug Testing Stats: Mining

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  According to a study by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, about 1% of mining workers have an opioid use disorder.
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  Another 5% have confirmed drug use in the last month.
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  17.5% of miners reported heavy alcohol use in the past month.
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  Workers in the extraction industry—which includes mining, quarrying, and oil and gas—have the highest overdose death rate involving natural and semi-synthetic opioids (like oxycodone and hydrocodone) compared to all other industries.
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  This group also has the second-highest death rate from synthetic opioid overdoses, including fentanyl.

Why Background Checks Matter in the Mining Industry

Mining is one of the most dangerous industries in the world, which is why it's so important for employers to run background checks on job candidates. While safety has come a long way—with mining deaths dropping over 90% in the last 40 years—tragedies like the 2010 Upper Big Branch disaster still happen. The year 2011 was the year with the fewest injuries and deaths ever recorded.

Although there's no federal requirement for background checks across the entire mining sector, several states, especially those with coal operations, do mandate them. In addition, many companies follow strict internal screening policies to reduce risk and keep their worksites safe.

Health Screenings Are Sometimes Required for Mining Industry

Health screenings are required by federal law in certain mining environments. Under MSHA's 2024 silica rule, mining companies must offer free medical screenings to workers who are exposed to high levels of respirable crystalline silica, a dust that can lead to serious lung diseases like silicosis and lung cancer.

The required screenings include:

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  A chest X-ray
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  A breathing test
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  A review of the miner's work and medical history

These exams help detect problems early so miners can take action to protect their health. While participation is voluntary, employers are legally obligated to offer these testing services if a worker's silica exposure exceeds certain levels.

So while not all mining jobs require health testing, it is mandatory for companies to offer it in specific conditions where there are known health risks.