Comprehensive Programme of Pneumoconiosis Prevention in Polish Coal Mining

Pneumoconiosis hazard is one of the most serious problems in Polish coal mining. Average number of new cases exceeds 500 per year. Incidence of pneumoconiosis is still high and requires improvement both in technical and medical preventive measures. The highest risk occurs in seven collieries belonging to Gliwice Coal Mining Company. These mines are characterized by deep and thin seams of dry high rank coal. Such conditions cause higher risk of pneumoconiosis. In 1997 the number of new cases was 107, which corresponds to 28% of total number of cases in whole Polish coal mining. It is to be noted that since 1995 there is considerable decrease of incidences of pneumoconiosis. The total indemnity paid by the Company in 1995 was PLN 2.1 milion. It was necessary to initiate a comprehensive programme by combining the technical and medical aspects of the problem for fighting pneumoconiosis. With support of the Committee of Scientific Researches, a project entitled “Diminishing of Pneumoconiosis Risk of Miners of Gliwice Coal Mining Company” has started. The research and development part of the project was named “Elaboration of integrated system of pneumoconiosis prevention in coal miners”. The task was undertaken by Central Mining Institute, Institute of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health, and Academy of Mining and Metallurgy. Programme is implemented now in seven collieries belonging to Gliwice Coal Company.