1873 - Old Forge Coal Mines

44 ANNUAL REPORT OF THE
and loaders, bosses and track men, these worthy boys rush on in the gloom
when, in a number of cases, the space between the gangway timber will
hardly admit of the passage of a wagon, over ill constructed railroads and
sloughed gutters they fly at full speed, standing on the spreader chains or
traces, carrying an armful of sprags at each trip to slacken speed in case
of danger yet, without the slightest pity for their lot, they are hustled
;
about by the older folks, as boys generally are. The slightest derangement
to a train may cost him his life by being crushed to death by wagons,
timbers, or jammed by trains, and commonly in a gloomy passage. This
is without a doubt a prolific source of accidents.
In collieries that produce say 12,000 tons of prepared coal per month, it
must be evident these drivers appear to be fully occupied and evidently
content with their work.
Accidents by Steam Boiler Explosions.
Throughout this district but few casualties occur from this source of accidents,
except that which took place at G. H. Potts' Diamond colliery, at
Minersville, March 21, 1870, when eight persons lost their lives by the
bursting of the boilers used at the breaker. This accident occurred about
seven o'clock A. M. The boys collected in the boiler house to get warm
prior to going to work, the engineer being late at his post of duty, and on
moving the engine for work the accident occurred, causing a frightful scene
of anguish among the friends and spectators of these victims. The building
was demolished, and one of the boilers was thrown from its bed some
100 yards distant, and became a useless mass. Though the rents appeared
to be of strong metal, the investigation in this case was not conducted b}-
a competent body, and no positive conclusion arrived at. Since then three
other boiler explosions took place, but fortunately no lives were lost. Had
there been more accidents of this sort, no one would be surprised that is
familiar with the appearance and condition in which very many .steam
boilers are now often kept at some of the mining establishments. A condition
probably due to a spirit of false economy more than it is due to
ignorance of the engineman or bad material, however this case may be, it
would be more prudent to remove suspected boilers than make good the
damage occasioned by explosion.
Since the steam boiler inspection act of 1871 went into operation, there
were but three boiler explosions in the district where there are 1,433 boilers
in use, yet these explosions resulted in no personal injury, further than
delaying the works ;
to mention these facts and show how much of these
responsibilities rest upon persons in charge of steam boilers, and how
much at fault in cases of accidents to persons and property for a non-discharge
of duty, and the little notice that is taken of the many warnings
given until a serious accident occurs.
In view of the still increase in fche coal trade a like increase must also
take place in the mining force, and consequently a proportionate increase
in accidents may be expected to follow ;
but the office of the inspector and
duty of managers is anxiously looked to partially lessen these grievances.
Injunctions.
A few operators were found who worked their mines in actual contravention
of law, and legal proceedings were obtained for their restraint
their condition was found to be such that any increase in their expenditure
would cause their suspension and throw the miners out of employ-