In recent years, the issue of occupational health in China's coal mines has become a growing concern. According to a report from last year, there are 2.65 million dust collectors installed in coal mines across the country. It is estimated that 5.17 million people suffer from pneumoconiosis annually, with over 6,000 deaths recorded each year—double the number of fatalities caused by coal mine accidents. This alarming data was disclosed during a national conference on coal mine safety and pneumoconiosis prevention.
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 revealed that dust levels in most coal mines far exceed legal limits. Between 1983 and 2008, coal dust concentrations ranged from 198 to 3,420 mg/m³, which is 49.5 to 855 times higher than the national standard. These dangerous conditions have led to a significant number of workers developing pneumoconiosis every year.
While frequent coal mine accidents have drawn public attention, the true threat lies in the high incidence of pneumoconiosis, often overshadowed by more dramatic disasters. Known as the number one occupational disease in China, pneumoconiosis is described as "more severe than mine disasters." According to Zhang Baoming, chairman of the China Association for Occupational Safety and Health, many companies fail to conduct adequate health checks, resulting in missed diagnoses of occupational diseases. Some employees receive only 32.2% of required medical exams, while 64.3% of coal groups neglect to examine retired workers. The overall rate of missed diagnoses can reach up to 20%, highlighting serious gaps in health monitoring.
Weak supervision is another key factor contributing to the prevalence of pneumoconiosis. Currently, there is a disconnect between the responsibilities of different regulatory bodies. While the State Administration of Work Safety is tasked with workplace safety, the health administration is legally responsible for enforcing occupational disease prevention laws. This overlap creates confusion and inefficiency. Additionally, local governments often lack the capacity or will to enforce regulations effectively, leading to a lack of accountability and oversight.
Another major challenge is the difficulty in securing workers' rights. Employers frequently avoid responsibility, and some certification agencies may unintentionally or intentionally shield them. Legal procedures are often complicated, and workers face indifference and obstacles when seeking justice. Many patients are left exhausted and frustrated, with some even losing their lives before receiving compensation. The phrase “miners can afford to work but not to fall ill†reflects a grim reality where some employers ignore safety improvements, allowing pneumoconiosis to spread unchecked.
Although frequent mine accidents have sparked widespread concern, the health of millions of coal miners suffering from pneumoconiosis must also be prioritized. Alongside efforts to treat affected workers, enterprises and government authorities should invest in technological upgrades to improve working conditions. It is essential to prevent pneumoconiosis from continuing to harm the majority of miners. Only through comprehensive reforms and stronger enforcement can we protect the health and lives of those who power China’s energy sector.
Diaphragm liquid pumps are equipped with high-quality brushless motors, long life, low interference, maintenance-free, good corrosion resistance, wide-ranging applications, and pollution-free transmission.
Our company has complete product models and different application ranges. There are diaphragm pumps, diaphragm pumps, peristaltic pumps, vacuum pumps, etc., which greatly reduce your laboratory procurement costs.
Micro diaphragm liquid pump,diaphragm liquid pump,Laboratory diaphragm pump,Small diaphragm liquid pump
Changzhou Yuanwang Fluid Technology Co., Ltd. , https://www.ywfluid.com