1054

THE COLLIERY GUARDIAN

May 24, 1918.

MINE LABOUR AND ACCIDENTS.*

By H. M. Wilson.

In connection with the inspection of mines for the
fixing of merit premium rates for insurance under
workmen’s compensation, it has been the practice of
The Associated Companies to allow 60 per cent, of
the credits for safeguarding of the physical hazards
of the mine and 40 per cent, for the human element.
By “human element” is meant that inherent
tendency of the industrial worker to be careless,
negligent or disobedient, in respect to his own safety,
and after that also of his fellow workman. This is
a tendency not only of the labourer or of the skilled
miner, but of all human beings, working or travelling
anywhere.

This element of mine safety, sometimes called the
moral hazard, has been admirably shown by statistics
compiled from the records of the Department of Mines
of the Union of South Africa to be due in about equal
measure to the carelessness of the miner and to that
of the operator. These statistics show that about one-
half the fatalities in mines are due to the so-called
hazard of the industry, or what is sometimes called
the dangers inherent to work or misadventure. Of
2,497 fatalities investigated, including over 200,000
employees, for a period of over 2J years, it was found
that 17'5 per cent, were due to faulty plant or
material, fault of the foreman, or of the management
—in short, were due to the operator; 17'1 per cent,
to disobedience of orders, carelessness, or ignorance
of injured persons; and 5’9 per cent, through fault
of others, including fellow workmen. The fault of
the operator is evidenced by failure to give proper
warning, failure to inspect, failure to furnish proper
equipment, and neglecting to comply with the recom-
mendations of the inspector. That education and
training of the mine operator as well as of the mine
worker is essential to any material improvement in
the safety of mining is beyond question, and the
system of schedule-rating insurance premiums under
workmen’s compensation which has been adopted by
The Associated Companies takes cognisance of this
to the fullest possible extent.

While The Associated Companies has accepted 40
per cent, as a reasonable measure of the proportion
of accidents due to the human element, a careful
study of accident causes in the last two years for over
2,000 mines has convinced the author that the human
element is responsible for a very much larger per-
centage of accidents. J. S. Herbert, superintendent
of the Safety Department of the Cambria Steel Com-
pany, says that their statistics convince him that
ninety-three per cent, of their accidents have
no mechanical connection, and that seventy-three
per cent, of their injuries are chargeable to the men
themselves for one of several causes, usually careless-
ness, indifference, or recklessness. In attempting to
find a remedy for this condition, the question arises :
is the class of labour employed responsible for this
condition? The author does not believe that it is.
The class of labour employed in mines is not materially
inferior to that employed in steel mills and in other
large industries where the same ratio of accidents
from human and mechanical causes is found.
Undoubtedly, one of the prime causes is industrial
unrest, evidenced in the brief period during which
any workman continues in the same employment or
calling. In some European countries, and in some
portions of the United States, where living and
housing conditions, the character of the community,
the treatment of the employees by their employer,
and home and social conditions are satisfactory, men
continue in their employment with one concern for
many years. In consequence, they become acquainted
with the hazards of their calling; they are better able
to appreciate their relations to their fellow workers
and their superiors. They come to have a better
understanding of the causes of accidents and the
means of avoiding them, and the accident rate is
reduced accordingly.

This brings us to the question of the relation of
personnel work, in the broader sense, to accident
prevention. The matter of safeguarding physical
hazards, such as special methods of timbering, the
furnishing of proper timbers for posting, use of
mechanical post pullers, of permissible explosives,
etc., are all admirable, but these methods and devices
are all known, and can be applied by those who are
willing to make their mines physically more safe in
these respects. But the human element can only be
improved by personnel work. Mere trite aphorisms,
lists of “ Don’ts ” posted on the bulletin board,
pictorial bulletins and safety meets have their value.
They are useful in arousing an interest in the worker
regarding the safety in his employment, and concern-
ing some of the causes of accidents; but, like every-
thing else in life, the lesson lasts but a day. It is
soon forgotten, unless it is continually hammered
home, and this hammering home process can only go so
far. The mine management gets stale on the work,
safety committees cease to be active; bulletin boards
and safety meets cease to interest.

The next, and third progressive step in accident
prevention, and that to which the least attention has
yet been given, because of its apparent cost, is welfare
work, so-called. It is, in the author’s belief, the best
investment that can be made, for those who want
to reduce their costs in mining. Accidents are costly,
sickness also is costly; lost time for any cause is
costly.

In addition to the admirable accident prevention
work being done by the State mine inspectors, through
the investigations of the Federal Bureau of Mines,
and by mine safety and other safety organisations,
and by the mine operators and mine officials, there
remains as the final field to be cultivated the improve-
ment of the living, housing, moral, and physical con-
ditions of the employees. There is a close relation

* Transactions of the American Institute of Mining
Engineers.

between contentment in employment and good health,
on one hand, and accident prevention on the other.
A contented mind gives the worker an opportunity
to think about and to know his work. It is the
distracted man, the so-called “ star gazer,” whose
mind is elsewhere than on his work, who is the most
unsafe worker. Next to him is the man in bad
physical condition. The ill man does not stand firmly
on his feet, and is likely to stumble. He wields the
pick with less vigour and precision than the well man.
A strojig physical body and an alert, healthy mind,
are among the best safeguards against accidents.

COMPRESSED AIR FOR CLEANING
MOTORS.

By D. R. Shearer.

In a great many manufacturing plants, especially
those working in wood or a similar material, the
driving motors have a tendency to become clogged
with dust in a short time. Such accumulation of
dust is a fire hazard, particularly if the motors are
overloaded and liable to have coils burn out; and
if a motor is not overloaded, it may heat if the air
ducts are filled with dust. Moreover, the motor is
not able to carry the peaks when called upon, for
the reason that the additional heat cannot be dissi-
pated. Motors should be cleaned frequently, but such
cleaning with the means ordinarily at hand is a rather
difficult procedure since the air ducts are usually
small and difficult to clear with a brush. The windows
may be brushed off externally, but such cleaning does
not reach the real seat of the trouble.

One of the best methods is compressed air under
considerable pressure. If the air is not available from
some source already in use, it is advantageous to use
a small motor-driven compressor and a storage tank.
The compressor should have a capacity of from 4 to
10 cu. ft. of air per minute at a pressure of 100 lb.
per sq. in., and the tank should hold from 40 to
100 cu. ft. This size will take care of the average
plant.

In piping a factory the air line can be in lin., | in.
and | in. pipe. Since the amount of air used in
cleaning any one motor is small, a large pipe is not
necessary. An outlet with a valve should be placed
near each motor, or if they are grouped, several
motors can be reached from one outlet with J in. or
fin. hose; the smaller size is more easily handled.
The nozzles can be made up of brass rod of suitable
sizes and shapes, which, however, must have very
small openings, as a large nozzle opening would con-
sume too much air. Probably the most useful sizes
would be	tV in- an<^ A in., and these three

nozzles will meet most conditions.

Sometimes it becomes desirable to clean surfaces
with air; for instance, the walls or ceilings of the
buildings. This may be done with a tool made from
f in. or f in. pipe in which there are a number of
holes, as shown, to form a “ brush ” of escaping air.
For ordinary purposes holes of about in. to -J* in.
can be used.

These small nozzles do not clog readily if all the scale
and dirt is blown out of the piping. As an investment
such a cleaning system will be found to pay for itself
in the reduction of motor troubles and the decrease
in fire hazard.—Power.

MINING INDUSTRY AND MILITARY SERVICE.

When Swansea Tribunal had an application for exemp-
tion of a coal retailer, Class A, 41 years of age, it was
contended on his behalf that he was in a certified
occupation, but the National Service representative argued
that the man was not required in the occupation. Members
of the tribunal raised the point as to the combination
of businesses, action being taken by the Retail Coal
Dealers’ Association, as in other parts of the country, but
for the applicant it was averred that the local dealers
had more work now than they could do. Three months’
exemption was allowed, and the tribunal clerk will com-
municate with the Retailers’ Association as to the prac-
ticability of an arrangement.

The executive committee of the Northumberland
Miners’ Association has had under consideration represen-
tations from Dudley Branch as to older men having to do
putting work, owing to so many young men being taken
for the Army, and has decided to seek an interview with
the coalowners with a view to a better arrangement regard-
ing payment for such work than at present obtains.

A West Cornforth miner, named Thos. Joyce, 23, was
drawn in the ballot to join the Army, but was granted
exemption by the Sedgefield Tribunal on domestic grounds,
it appearing that his father had been unable to work for
nine years, and that Joyce supported his father, mother
and five children under 12 years old. Mr. Jos. Foster,
miners’ secretary, and a member of the tribunal, informed
his colleagues at a recent meeting that Joyce had been
called up and that the military authorities had insisted
upon his surrendering himself. The result was that he
was now in the infirmary, and that it was very probable
that his parents’ application for relief would be before
the Guardians that week-end. Such conduct was causing
unrest and dissatisfaction amongst the miners, and it would
be impossible for trade union officials and men holding
public offices to carry on if it were allowed. Major Grubb,
National Service representative, pointed out that the case
had been heard in error by the tribunal, as, according to
the Proclamation, decertificated miners, 18 to 23, and
holders of M.A.R.O. certificates which were withdrawn,
could not now be heard by tribunals, except in the cases
of widows’ sons. Mr. J. M. Crawford, manager of the
Dean and Chapter Colliery, said they had been told that
the Army only wanted Grade 1 miners. That was the
Prime Minister’s own statement to the Miners’ Federation.
Ultimately, the tribunal agreed to hear the cases on the
list for that day, but to meet no more until Joyce was
released to civil life.

Chester-le-Street Rural Tribunal has decided to suspend
operations until definite instructions as to its competency
to deal with the cases of young miners have been received.
Meanwhile, all such cases have been referred to the
County Appeal Tribunal, which is likely to be “ snowed
under ” by the thousands of such cases in the county, unless
local tribunals are authorised to deal with them.

THE COAL AND IRON TRADES.

Thursday, May 23.

Scotland. Western District.
COAL.

Conditions in the Scotch coal trade show little change.
Outputs are somewhat restricted, and consumers find diffi-
culty in securing full deliveries. The demands, too, which
usually taper off at this season of the year, show no falling
away, and the present supply of labour is unequal to the
varied requirements. In the west of Scotland industrial
and household calls are insistent, while shipping facil ties
have undergone an improvement within the past few weeks
which is rather beyond the capacity of the collieries at
present. The shipments for the week amounted to 115,092
tons, against 114,432 tons in the preceding week, and
92,741 tons in the same week last year.

Prices f.o.b. Glasgow.

	Current	! L’st week’s Last year’s	
	prices.	i prices.	i prices.
Steam coal		27/6	i 27/6	; 18/ -23/
Ell 		26/6-28/	: 26/6-28/	I 18 6-21/
Splint			28/ -30/	: 28/ —30/	1 18' -26/
Treble nuts 		23/	23/	i 23/6
Double do	!	22/	;	22/	;	22/
Single do		 		!	21/	21/	!	20/

IRON.

Practically the entire energies in the various depart-
ments of the Scotch iron trade are devoted to war require-
ments, to the exclusion of all other interests. The call for
pig iron is incessant. Apart from the predominant demand
for haematite, ordinary brands are brisk, though scarce in
supply. Exports are cut down to the lowest possible limit.
Values are unchanged and approximate figures are as
follow: — Monkland and Carnbroe f.a.s. at Glasgow,
Nos. 1, 140s., Nos. 3, 135s.; Govan, No. 1, 135s., No. 3,130s.;
Clyde, Summerlee, Calder and Langloan, Nos. 1, 150s.,
Nos. 3, 145s.; Glengarnock at Ardrossan, No. 1, 140s.,
No. 3, 135s.; Eglinton at Ardrossan or Troon and Dal-
mellington at Ayr, Nos. 1, 145s., Nos. 3, 135s.; Shotts at
Leith, No. 1, 150s., No. 3, 145s. p r ton. In the malleable
iron trade the mills are busy with national work. The steel
departments, particularly, are faced with large demands
principally for light sectional material and small rounds.
Very little is being done meantime in the rolling of shell-
discard steel. Black sheet makers have difficulty in keeping
things up-to-date. Galvanis- d material is still practically
a Government luxury. Makers of cast-iron pipes are doing
a comparatively big business in the smaller sizes. Tube
makers, too, have a fair number of orders on hand.

Scotland. Eastern District.

COAL.

Collieries in the Lothian district are finding it impossible
to meet all demands. Admiralty requirements are heavy
and local consumers are taking fair quantities. Shipments
auiounted to 19,358 tons, against 16,241 in the preceding
week, and 19,990 tons in the same week last year.

Prices f.o.b Leith.

	J Current :	L’st week’s	Last year’s
	i prices.	prices.	prices
Best screened steam coal...	26/6	26/6	20/6
Secondary qualities		25/6	25/6	18/ 20/-
Treble nuts 		23/	23/	22/
Double do				• 22/	22/	20/
Single do		21/	21/	19/ -19/6

Similar conditions characterise business in Fifeshire,
where shipping enquiries have improved. The collieries,
however, are not all in a position to take advantage of this
extra turnover. Clearances were 54,562 tons against 37,351
in the preceding week and 19,653 tons in the same week
last year.

Prices f.o.b. Methil or Burntisland.

Best screened navigation coal		Current |L’st week’s		Last year’s prices.  30/
	prices.  29/ -31/	prices.  29/ -31/	
			
Unscreened do		24/ -25/	24/ -25/	24/
First-class steam coal......	28/	28/	25/
Third-class do		24/	24/	20/
Treble nuts 		23/	23/	24/
Double do		. 22/	22 /	22/
Single do		21/	21/	19/

All prices quoted only apply to French and Italian orders ;
for all other business, 2s. 6d. or more per ton must be added
for all large and small coal with the exception of second
quality large Lothian coal.

The aggregate shipments for the past week amounted to
189,012 tons compared with 168,024 in the preceding week,
and 132,384 tons in the corresponding week of last year.

Northumberland, Durham and Cleveland.

N ewcastle-on-Ty ne.

COAL.

The local coal market has gone on from strength to
greater strength in the course of the week, and is in an
exceedingly firm and healthy position. During the week
Tyne best steams have advanced until they are practically
on a parity with Bly ths, being now quoted, as far as neutral
business is concerned, at the full 50s., whilst steam seconds
have leaped up to 45s. Gas coals and smithies are strongly
maintained at their recent top quotations. Bunkers are
decidedly firmer, owing tc> great scarcity, and are now worth
up to 37s. 6d. All other descriptions of fuel are steady
at the full figures of last week. At the advanced rates now
quoted not a great deal of actual business is being done,
inasmuch as the collieries have their work set to deal with
the orders on Government, Allied and home accounts without
troubling to any extent with the business on offer from
neutrals. Indeed, the latter are at present mainly depen-
dent on such casual cargoes as are thrown on the market by
reason of the non-arrival to time of expected tonnage, and
these cargoes are few in number. All the pits have been
working at their fullest capacity of output during the week,
save, of course, at the week-end and on Monday, which
latter day was taken as the Whitsuntide holiday. In