Coalmining was one of the most dangerous and difficult industries in Britain, killing or permanently injuring an estimated quarter of a million miners between 1850 and 1950.
Extract from an Accident and Compensation Register, Western Pit, 1902-1904 (D1400/1/1/1)Although major disasters captured a great deal of public attention, everyday injuries in the mines were far more common. There was constant danger, including that from roof collapse, the effects of gas and runaway trams.
Treatment of a patient, First Aid Room, Western Colliery, 1951 (DNCB/14/4/133/4)These accidents could be fatal or result in temporary or permanent disabilities. Disabled miners may then have only have been able to undertake ‘light work’ on the surface such as picking coal or staffing equipment rooms.
An agreement to allow colliers to attend funerals of fatal cases, 1904 (D1411/1/3)Accident and compensation registers in the Glamorgan Archives collection record details about how accidents occurred, the injuries people sustained and any compensation that they may have received.