Natural Resource Extraction: Montana Workers’ Compensation Claims Analysis 2011-2020
Lindsey Madison1, Daniel Autenrieth1, Scott Rosenthal2, Todd
Tregidga3 and David Gilkey1
1Department of Safety, Health and Industrial Hygiene, Montana Technological
University, Butte, Montana
2Department of Mining Engineering, Montana Technological University, Butte,
Montana
3Department of Business and Information Technology, Montana Technological
University, Butte, Montana
*Corresponding Author: David Gilkey, Department of Safety, Health and
Industrial Hygiene, Montana Technological University, Butte, Montana.
Received:
September 12, 2023; Published: September 25, 2023
Abstract
An analysis of Montana mining, quarrying and oil and gas extraction workers’ compensation claims was carried out to identify injury characteristics and patterns. Investigators evaluated 4,782 injury claims from 2011 to 2020 identified to be part of North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) 21: Mining, Quarrying and Oil and Gas extraction as they appeared in the Workers Compensation Insurance Organizations’ (WCIO) database. The claims were provided by the Montana Department of Labor and Industry and Occupational Health Surveillance Division using the Workers’ Compensation Administrative Network database of all workers’ compensation claims in the state. Similar patterns were identified in Montana claims as observed nationally. Claims totaled $48,640,228 and declined significantly in frequency by 49%, p-value < 0.01 for the period studied. Mining not otherwise classified (NOC), underground and above ground coal operations and drivers comprised 58% of all claims. Strains and sprains totaled 42% of all claims costing $25,079813. Employees in this sector between 25 and 34 years of age filed 1,285 claims consisting of 26% of all claims. The analysis of mining, quarrying and oil and gas extraction-related workers’ compensation claims is an important step toward conducting effective (evidence-based) safety research that can lead to relevant intervention programs and educational activities to reduce injuries and death to workers within the industry.
Keywords: Mining; Quarrying; Oil and Gas Extraction; Injuries; Montana
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