“SAFETY FIRST” IN MINES

Greymouth Evening Star, 8 May 1936, Page 2

“SAFETY FIRST” IN MINES

NEED TO EDUCATE WORKERS. LONDON, March 24. The need to instil “safety first” methods into coal mines was emphasised by Mr E. Rowley, Divisional Inspector of Mines, giving evidence before the Royal Commission on Safety in Coal Mines, at Westminster yesterday. . . . Mr Rowley said that in his opinion it was desirable that the status of the deputy should be increased. , He hacl a very responsible position and the’remuneration should be such as to attract the best men.« Any spare time he might have should be devoted to the education of his workmen with a view to reducing accidents due to the human element. The main change which had taken place in his division could be summed up in one word —concentration. Operations must be maintained over three shifts. This tended to more hurry at times, and greater risks were taken.

There was not time for a full repairing shift on normal working days, and not always at week-ends. There was a good deal of noise and men were more closely packed. The mere presence of moving machinery was an added danger; and the men employed at the face had not the skill of the old timer. “In the old days a boy went to work, usually with his father, and, naturally, he was taught how to keep himself safe.” Other disadvantages of concentration were: Greater rate of advance on coal face, which brought difficult problems of roof control; Possibilities of accidents arising from electric shock and the ignition of inflammable gas were increased; and Almost as many men were employed on night and afternoon shifts as on the day shift, but the supervision by the higher officials was not in proportion. Advantages of concentration were improved roads, resulting in better ventilation, which reduced’ the chances of explosion. * The Commission adjourned.

NEW FIELD IN SCOTLAND. Details of a new Scottish coalfield were disclosed to the Railway and Canal Commission at Edinburgh yesterday. It is estimated that it contains 11,000,000 tons of workable coal, representing a total value at pithead prices of £7,000,000. Application was made by Archibald Russell Ltd., coalmasters, Glasgow, for permission to work the minerals in an area in Renfrewshire lying between Thornliebank and Barrhead. The area extends to 1,800 acres. An initial expenditure of about £200,000 will have to be made' in sinking the shafts and 1 providing plant, machinery and equipment. To work the estimated quantity of coal at the rate of 1,000 tons per day would take about 40 years and give employment to more than 800 men during that period. The Commissioners ordered intimation of the petition and answers by the parties concerned by May 30.