A study of the correlation between seniority and the number of work accidents in mining enterprises between 2003-2017

Abstract

A work accident comprises a number of interrelated adverse technical, organizational, environmental, and human events. However, it has been claimed that the main contributing factor responsible for work accidents is a human error (disruption). The causes of human errors may include: incapacity, nature of tasks being performed as well as physical and social environment. It is important to note that the first element is strongly related to both age and seniority. Based on available literature, the impact of seniority on work accidents is not clearly defined. Advanced age of employees favors the acquisition and consolidation of professional knowledge, but it can also be associated with greater automation of behaviours in work environment. This can lead to an error resulting in a dangerous situation or accident. Bearing in mind the above, this study examined the relationship between seniority and the number of work accidents among individuals employed in mining enterprises. The study was carried out using the Pearson’s correlation coefficient. The source of analysis included statistical data on the size of employment in individual seniority groups and the number of work accidents in mining enterprises between 2003-2017. The research showed a correlation between age and the number of work accidents in hard coal mines.