1873 - Old Forge Coal Mines

INSPECTORS OF MINES. 48
ropes and chains, the slipping of the pulleys, the rude construction of the
tubs and their attachments, the absence of tub-guides, the falling of material,
blasting, inundations, and precipitancy of the men in riding into and
out of these excavations, as seen by the death of four miners at the Koh-inoor
shaft, in 1870, while five men were ascending in the tub. The windage
of the wire rope, in passing over the pully, caused a giddy sensation in
the miners, who stood on the edge of the tub holding on to the rope, one of
them in loosing his balance caused a general death grab amongst them and
fell from the whirling ascending engine of death, the distance of 100 feet,
to the rocks at the bottom of the shaft ; had guides been used at the time
probably the accident would not have occurred.
Great caution is necessary in sinking shafts and slopes, and it should be
ranked amongst the catalogue of criminal offences to employ any but calm,
prudent, practical miners, of long experience and of sound judgment, to do
such work. Many persons are subject to fits of giddiness after inordinate
smoking or drinking, or may be out of composure by domestic cares and
numerous uneasiness of mind which would affect them when under such
circumstances. Amongst these evils we must class forgetfulness, and often
men are subject to spells of this kind that they really forget everything and
become confused, bordering on insanity. We would suggest that the boss
carefully inform himself of the mental and physical condition of men placed
in responsible situations, as one person so influenced may cause the death
or injury of many valuable lives.
Accidents by Machinery.
The operation of machinery is a source from which springs numerous
accidents, and generally results in death
;
persons in charge of steam engines,
when the steam is low and the engine stands on centre steam, are apt
to step upon the aimis of the fly-wheel, or use a lever to over-balance the
draw of the engine, in either case he may be drawn into the race and crushed
to death, the re-placing of beltings while the machinery is in motion is a
source of accidents, oiling and setting loose keys, under the like circumstance,
is fruitful of accidents, particularly when pumps are in operation
in shafts or high dipping slopes are dangerous sources of accidents, so is
unprotected wheels and rollers, screens and car loading, oiling machinery
while in motion is insecure ;
none but proper government and practical persons
should be in such employment, or suffered to be in proximity to these
sources of danger.
Accidents by Mine Wagons.
Mine wagons are principally handled by irresponsible, wild youths, that
become inured to fast driving of mules upon inclined grades as well as upon
levels in the different lifts of the mines, having no retreats or loopholes
along these roads tor safety, but take their chances at best. These boys
are subject to many disadvantages, as follows: A boy of 16 years of age
may be put in charge of three or four mules, there may be three or four
such teams used inside, and the haulage is generally managed under their
own rules, but subject to perform duties required of them by bosses, loaders,
miners, &c. To a stranger this is one of the most intricate employments
of man. In large mines of extensive excavations, where 250 men are
at work, these brave fellows are obliged to forward the miners' timbers in
the morning or at the miners' will, and in their passage through these wild
caverns the rumbling commotion created by these trains, the firing of shots,
the impenetrable powder-smoke, black and fire-damp, the bustle of miners