Introduction. Miners employed in coal mining industry are exposed to many various onerous and harmful factors. Among them, there are dust, noise, vibrations, various toxic substances, radiation, extensive effort and disadvantageous micro-climatic conditions.

Aim. The aim of this research is to analyze changes and processes related to work safety and hygiene in coal mining industry in the aspect of coal mining industry re-structuring and a statistical processing of secondary epidemiological data regarding the number of stated occupational diseases in coal mining industry. This analysis makes showing present trends and preparing a forecast of future phenomena possible.

Conclusions. The process of re-structuring of coal mining industry has influenced some changes of working conditions and hygiene in that sector including reduction of the confirmed occupational diseases occurring in that sector. Permanent loss of hearing and black lungs disease cover most of all occupational diseases identified in coal mining industry. Further re-structuring activities in the sector of hard coal mining industry, will defi nitely be based on continual improvement of work safety and hygiene in that area.