Yorkshire Coalfield (Accidents) (Hansard, 6 February 1964)

§ Mr. Kelley
asked the Minister of Power if he will give the figures of fatal accidents underground in the Yorkshire coalfield for each of the past 10 years; and what percentage these figures are of the total manpower employed underground in each year.

§ Mr. D. Griffiths
asked the Minister of Power, if he will give the figures of reportable accidents underground in the Yorkshire coalfield for each of the past 10 years which necessitated more than three days off work; and what percentage these figures are of the total manpower employed underground in each year.

§ Mr. Beaney
asked the Minister of Power if he will give the figures of fatal accidents on the surface in the Yorkshire coalfield for each of the past 10 years; and what percentage these figures represent of the manpower employed on the surface in each year.

§ Mr. A. Roberts
asked the Minister of Power if he will give the figures of reportable accidents on the surface in the Yorkshire coalfield for each of the past 10 years which necessitated more than three days off work; and what percentage 209W these figures represent of the manpower employed on the surface in each year.

Year Underground Accidents Surface Accidents

Fatal Reportable Accidents Fatal Reportable Accidents

No. As percentage of total employed below ground No. As percentage of total employed below ground No. As percentage of total employed on surface No. As percentage of total employed on surface

1954 … 40 0.04 284 0.26 13 0.04 34 0.10

1955 … 52 0.05 311 0.29 9 0.03 40 0.12

1956 … 49 0.05 324 0.26 10 0.03 48 0.13

1957 … 57 0.05 304 0.25 7 0.02 50 0.14

1958 … 38 0.04 292 0.28 5 0.02 26 0.08

1959 … 62 0.06 249 0.24 6 0.02 32 0.11

1960 … 40 0.04 231 0.24 6 0.02 33 0.12

1961 … 37 0.04 200 0.22 7 0.03 43 0.16

1962 … 27 0.03 290 0.33 1 0.00 42 0.16

1963 … 43 0.05 276 0.32 5 0.02 133 0.13

Notes 1. Figures relate to the North Eastern Division of the Mines Inspectorate, which does not correspond precisely with the Yorkshire coalfield.

2. Figures for injuries cover all reportable injuries and do not include accidents which are not reportable to H.M. Inspectors although causing more than three days absence from work; prior to 1958 some accidents reported because of their cause, but not involving serious injury, are included.

§ Mr. Mason
asked the Minister of Power what is the nature of the inquiry now being held into accident causation in the Yorkshire coalfield by the Chief Inspector of Mines; to what extent it is connected with the recent increase in fatalities; when he expects the inquiry to be completed; and if he will publish the findings and recommendations.

§ Mr. Peyton
The Chief Inspector of Mines is analysing the accident reports made to him by his Inspectors to see if they suggest any further action which could be taken. Such analyses are made continuously, but particular consideration is being given at present to reports of accidents in the Yorkshire coalfield. There will be no formal report, but the Divisional Inspector of Mines will be publishing his Annual Report for 1963 within the next two or three months. I have already promised to write to the hon. Member and I hope to do so very shortly.

Year	Underground Accidents	Surface Accidents
Fatal	Reportable Accidents	Fatal	Reportable Accidents
No.	As percentage of total employed below ground	No.	As percentage of total employed below ground	No.	As percentage of total employed on surface	No.	As percentage of total employed on surface
1954	…	40	0.04	284	0.26	13	0.04	34	0.10
1955	…	52	0.05	311	0.29	9	0.03	40	0.12
1956	…	49	0.05	324	0.26	10	0.03	48	0.13
1957	…	57	0.05	304	0.25	7	0.02	50	0.14
1958	…	38	0.04	292	0.28	5	0.02	26	0.08
1959	…	62	0.06	249	0.24	6	0.02	32	0.11
1960	…	40	0.04	231	0.24	6	0.02	33	0.12
1961	…	37	0.04	200	0.22	7	0.03	43	0.16
1962	…	27	0.03	290	0.33	1	0.00	42	0.16
1963	…	43	0.05	276	0.32	5	0.02	133	0.13
Notes 1. Figures relate to the North Eastern Division of the Mines Inspectorate, which does not correspond precisely with the Yorkshire coalfield.
2. Figures for injuries cover all reportable injuries and do not include accidents which are not reportable to H.M. Inspectors although causing more than three days absence from work; prior to 1958 some accidents reported because of their cause, but not involving serious injury, are included.