DECC administers two major personal injury compensation schemes, which compensate coalminers and their families for health problems caused by working underground in mines operated by British Coal.
The schemes were set up to deal with:
- respiratory disease (chronic bronchitis and emphysema) resulting from the dusty conditions
- vibration disease (Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome and Vibration White Finger) caused by using vibrating tools
The schemes are now closed to new claimants.