Comparison between two methods for assessment of occupational health risk caused by coal dust

Objective To explore the advantages and disadvantages of use of the quantitative evaluation method proposed by International Council on Mining and Metals(ICMM)or the occupational hazard risk index method in assessment of occupational health risk caused by coal dust in the coal mines.

Methods A total of 196 worksites with coal dust, distributed in 6 production systems in 11 coal mines were studied. The difference and correlation between the two evaluation results were analyzed and the reason was explored.

Results There was a highly positive correlation of the evaluation results between two methods (r = 0.611, P < 0.05). The worksites with highest risk were mainly distributed in the mining and tunneling systems. There was good consistency in the worksites with lower occupational health risk, while higher inconsistency was noted in the worksites with higher risk levels.

Conclusion Quantitative evaluation method proposed by ICMM can better reflect the exposure risk level of coal dust in the working environment, and occupational hazard risk index method can better reflect the actual risk level of workers after they use protective facilities.