ABSTRACT

In the United States (US) mining industry, psychological aspects of safety and health are defined very broadly as psychosocial issues. This chapter explores the psychological and behavioral dimensions of occupational safety and health (OSH) for workers mining coal underground. It presents the reader with an introduction to the underground coal mining environment, followed by lessons learned from mining disasters. The chapter also presents a model to reduce worker exposure. The research in key psychosocial areas is discussed including judgment decision making and leadership in escape, training, and the introduction of refuge chambers into underground mines. The chapter discusses research on the aging mining population, shift work, hazard recognition, job stress, and resiliency. The ability to recognize hazards in mining is critical because the work environment is dark, confined, inherently unsafe, and constantly changing during the mining process. The mining process creates exposure to dust, noise, and powerful machinery.