In recent years, coal mine safety incidents have drawn widespread public concern. However, there is an even more alarming issue that remains under the radar: pneumoconiosis, which has become the leading occupational disease in China. According to a report from last year, at the National Coal Mine Safety Exchange and the Pneumoconiosis Prevention Conference, it was revealed that 2.65 million dust collectors are used in Chinese coal mines. It is estimated that 5.17 million people suffer from pneumoconiosis annually, with over 6,000 deaths each year—double the number of fatalities caused by coal mine accidents.
A survey conducted by the National Coal Mine Safety Supervision Bureau, the All-China Federation of Trade Unions, and the China Association for Occupational Safety and Health found that dust levels in most coal mines far exceed safety standards. From 1983 to 2008, coal dust concentrations ranged between 198 and 3,420 mg/m³, which is 49.5 to 855 times higher than the national limit. This has led to a significant number of workers developing pneumoconiosis every year.
Pneumoconiosis, often referred to as "more dangerous than mine disasters," poses a severe threat to miners' health. Zhang Baoming, chairman of the China Association for Occupational Safety and Health, pointed out that many companies fail to conduct proper occupational health checkups, resulting in missed diagnoses of occupational diseases. The survey showed that the minimum inspection rate for on-the-job employees was only 32.2%, and 64.3% of coal groups did not perform medical exams on retired workers as required. Additionally, the average missed diagnosis rate reached as high as 20%.
One major reason for the prevalence of pneumoconiosis is inadequate supervision. There is a disconnect in the occupational health oversight system in China. While the State Administration of Work Safety is responsible for workplace safety, the law assigns the responsibility of occupational disease prevention to health administrative departments. This creates confusion, as the safety supervision department lacks law enforcement authority, while the health authorities do not have the capacity for on-site inspections. This mismatch undermines the principle of "governing according to law."
Another critical factor is the difficulty workers face when trying to protect their rights. Employers often refuse to take responsibility, accreditation agencies may unintentionally or intentionally shield them, and legal procedures are complicated. As a result, patients find themselves trapped in a difficult and exhausting process, with many losing hope and suffering both physically and mentally. Some even choose to give up on seeking compensation, leaving miners vulnerable to the risks of pneumoconiosis.
While frequent coal mine accidents have prompted increased attention to safety, the health of millions of miners suffering from pneumoconiosis must also be prioritized. Alongside efforts to provide treatment, enterprises and government agencies should invest more in technological upgrades to improve working conditions. It is essential to prevent pneumoconiosis from continuing to harm miners across the country.
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