ARCHIVE

Free black lung testing in Alabama

THE National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health is offering miners free health screenin...

Donna Schmidt

This article is 11 years old. Images might not display.

The confidential tests, which take about 25 minutes, include a work history questionnaire, a chest X-ray and spirometry testing.

NIOSH also is offering blood pressure screenings.

Officials will be available March 4-5 at the Jim Walter Resources No. 4 mine in Brookwood, and March 6-7 at the neighboring JWR No. 7 operation on Sealy Ann Mountain Road.

On March 8, testing will be done at the Hannah Creek Road location of JWR No. 7. Hours are 7am-7pm daily.

On March 9, NIOSH will have testing available from 8am-3pm at the JWR Training Center, and on March 11 it will be at the JWR North River complex in Berry from 7am-7pm.

Crews at the Drummond Shoal Creek operation in Oakman will have an opportunity to be tested March 12-13, and Cliffs Natural Resources Oak Grove mine in Bessemer will be visited by the NIOSH testing group on March 14-15. All testing at those locations will be from 7am-7pm.

According to NIOSH research, there is a resurgence in black lung disease, following a decrease in the 1970s-90s.

Researchers are working to determine why miners in certain job functions and coal-rich regions are more susceptible to the disease than others.

NIOSH recommends appointments for testing by calling 1-888-480-4042, but walk-ins will be accepted.

TOPICS:

A growing series of reports, each focused on a key discussion point for the mining sector, brought to you by the Mining Monthly Intelligence team.

A growing series of reports, each focused on a key discussion point for the mining sector, brought to you by the Mining Monthly Intelligence team.

editions

Mining Magazine Intelligence: Automation and Digitalisation Report 2024

Exclusive research for Mining Magazine Intelligence Automation and Digitalisation Report 2024 shows mining companies are embracing cutting-edge tech

editions

ESG Mining Company Index: Benchmarking the Future of Sustainable Mining

The ESG Mining Company Index report provides an in-depth evaluation of ESG performance of 61 of the world's largest mining companies. Using a robust framework, it assesses each company across 9 meticulously weighted indicators within 6 essential pillars.

editions

Mining Magazine Intelligence Exploration Report 2024 (feat. Opaxe data)

A comprehensive review of exploration trends and technologies, highlighting the best intercepts and discoveries and the latest initial resource estimates.

editions

Mining Magazine Intelligence Future Fleets Report 2024

The report paints a picture of the equipment landscape and includes detailed profiles of mines that are employing these fleets