19.9 Analyzing The Science

The following graphs depict U.S. fatalities in coal mining and other industries.

INTERPRETATION

Question 19.13

In Graphs A and B, why are both the absolute number of fatalities and the rate of fatalities presented? Which is the fairest measure to use?

Question 19.14

Based on Graphs A and B, would you rather work in the coal industry or the metal/nonmetal industry? Why?

Question 19.15

3 Why do the numbers in Graph B appear to be larger than those in Graph A? For example, compare the numbers for 1968 in both graphs. What conclusion can you make about graphing data in general?

ADVANCE YOUR THINKING

Question 19.16

The graphs represent fatality data. Do you know what the fatalities are the result of, based on the graph? What do you assume these fatalities are related to? In your opinion, based solely on these numbers, would you risk being a miner, provided the pay and benefits were good?

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Question 19.17

Now, examine Graph C. It depicts the same data as that shown in Graphs A and B, for the years 1998–2004, but shows the deaths (in numbers) due to accidents AND coal workers’ pneumoconiosis (CWP, also called black lung disease).
What is one difference in the way these data are reported compared to how they are reported in Graphs A and B?
If your only employment choice were to work in a coal mine, what else would you like to know about the data in Graph C?

Question 19.18

Based on the information in Graph A, what can you say about fatalities and federal regulations? Do you think it would be safe to dispense with federal regulations and allow mine owner/operators to determine safety standards and practices, now that they know the benefits of safety regulations?