Development of a discussion document on the safety related research needs of the coal industry.

Abstract

The principal objective of this project has been to provide SIMCOL and its two sub-committees (COLEEAG and COLREAG) with a discussion document on research priorities. Work on the project commenced at the end of March 1993 and an interim report was prepared analysing accidents statistics for the South African coal mining industry for a ten year period to the end of 1992. This has recently been updated to include data to the end of 1993 and this analysis forms the first part of this report. The second phase of the project has involved discussions with personnel from the mining industry, reviews of international coal mining research effort, consultation with researchers (both local and international) and an analysis of the current research programme approved by SIMCOL and SIMGEN. This report concludes with suggested areas where research effort may have a significant impact on the safety of workers in South African coal mines.