An investigation of underground haulage and transport systems.

Despite a continuing improvement in general safety standards in the UK coal mining industry since nationalization, the improvement in underground haulage and transport operations has been less marked. There are now more serious and fatal accidents associated with haulage and transport operations than with any other category (Health and Safety Executive, 1980). The objective of the research was to identify areas of equipment design in which ergonomics could contribute to improve the health, safety and efficiency of underground haulage and transport operations. It also included the development of a method by which its findings could be applied, and appropriate actions implemented.