The mining industry employs many individuals in the state of Pennsylvania. While this is certainly a good thing for the state and those who work in the industry, depending on the job one has, it can be dangerous to go to work each day. A recent workplace accident in Pennsylvania illustrates this. Two men were hurt in the incident.

The men were actually in a mine when its roof collapsed. Following the collapse rescue workers descended upon the scene. Both people were removed and then flown via helicopters to area hospitals. According to the captain of the Minersville Fire and Rescue Company, the injuries the men suffered were to a shoulder and back. Neither of the men lost consciousness and none of the injuries they suffered are believed to be life threatening.

What the men were doing when the roof collapsed and what caused the incident to occur is unclear. As is generally the case in these situations an investigation into the matter has been commenced. A spokesperson for the state Department of Environmental Protection indicated it was not known if the men who were hurt were workers.

Just how serious the injuries the men suffered are is not known. If they require time to heal and the injured men were workers at the mine it is possible that they might need help making ends meet while unable to work. For this reason most employers in the state of Pennsylvania are expected to provide workers’ compensation benefits. To receive the benefits a worker must be injured on the job and the claim they file must be accepted. Though not always easy to secure when someone is unable to work they are usually worth pursuing.

Source: The Citizen Standard, “2 rescued from mine accident,” Amy Marchiano, March 6, 2014