Statistical analysis of coal mining safety in China with reference to the impact of technology

Abstract

+($)!&(,)+ � +)�',' This paper presents a statistical analysis of coal mining safety which shows a positive relationship between technological innovation and the state of safety in Chinese coal mines. Fatalities per million tons, labour productivity, and fatalities per 10 000 exposure hours are the indicators used to analyse the situation of Chinese coal mining safety during the years 2001–2010. A correlation analysis is provided using Statistics Package for Social Science (SPSS). The results show that during this period, there was a positive correlation between technological development, financial investment in safety, and coal mine safety in China. The Huainan Mining Group is taken as an example to illustrate the improvement in coal mine safety due to technological development. Finally, some suggestions are proposed to further improve safety in Chinese coal mines from the perspective of risk assessment, an interdisciplinary approach, and safety culture.