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Medicines box
© National Coal Mining Museum for England (Photo: National Coal Mining Museum for England)
© National Coal Mining Museum for England (Photo: National Coal Mining Museum for England)
Mining has always been a risky job and it was not less so for the animals. Ponies often caught their feet under sleepers and rails, wrenched off their cold-shoes and strained ligaments and tendons. They bumped their heads, cut themselves and also suffered from the coal dust, though they were in less contact with it than men working at the coal face.
More serious injuries were caused when they were struck by runaway tubs, or when the ends of their limmers struck and dislodged pit props. They were strangled by their collars and crushed by roof falls or perished with the men in explosions.
These animals were generally treated with affection and respect.
More serious injuries were caused when they were struck by runaway tubs, or when the ends of their limmers struck and dislodged pit props. They were strangled by their collars and crushed by roof falls or perished with the men in explosions.
These animals were generally treated with affection and respect.