Naturally, a job primarily underground is going to come with its risks. In fact, according to Safe Work Australia, 36 mining workers die every year from mining-related injuries and incidents. In order to bring that number down, workers and safety managers must be aware of all the risks involved in mining operations, how to prevent them and the best practices should there be an accident in the workplace.

This article is going to explore safety in mining, the main safety risks associated with the industry and the best protocols to mitigate them.

Top Hazards in Mining to Be Aware of

Hazard #1 - Ventilation

Ventilation is essential in mining, especially in a deep-level mine. Fully functioning ventilation helps to eradicate dust pollutants in the air, such as coal dust and silica, which can lead to a whole host of respiratory illnesses and diseases. It also reduces gas concentration build-up. Chemicals and gases in the mine can have seriously negative effects on the human body, causing burns, breathing problems and even poisoning. 

Another hugely important role of ventilation is regulating temperatures. Without good ventilation, mines can get very hot, causing miners to suffer from several temperature-related problems, including dehydration.

Ventilation systems must be checked regularly to ensure they’re fully operational. They prevent hazardous atmospheres from forming in the mine and keep temperatures regulated for working.

Hazard #2 - Falling Objects, Slips, Trips and Falls

It’s easy to lose your footing or trip in a mine as surfaces are often uneven. Falling rocks can also be tripping hazards as can machinery parts. It’s essential that miners get into the routine of using hazard report books to identify potential risks, isolate them and successfully resolve them to prevent accidents from happening. 

Workers must wear the correct protective clothing, including hard hats, and use safety equipment such as nets to reduce the chances of hazards becoming accidents.

Hazard #3 - Machinery and Vehicle Safety

Of the 36 people who die in Australia due to mining-related incidents, most of those involve vehicles and machinery. All machinery and vehicles must be regularly checked to ensure they’re fully operational. Pre-start checklists are an excellent way for workers and managers to check all the necessary parts of a machine or vehicle before they’re used on the mining site. Regular maintenance not only reduces the likelihood of accidents happening but it can also improve the longevity of the machinery. Little problems can be identified and fixed before they become large and expensive to resolve. 

Hazard #4 - Heat Stress

Mines can be very hot places to work, especially as many of them are out in the desert. Working in high temperatures can be very stressful for the body and can lead to fatigue, dehydration and other problems. It’s important to carry out daily risk assessments in sites where temperatures are high. Safety managers should then consider work rate, clothing, respiratory equipment and break times accordingly. Regular training should also be offered so workers can identify the signs of heat stroke or other heat-related problems.

Hazard #5 - Fires and Explosions

Explosives are often used in mines but, of course, they pose a great safety risk. Strict storage and handling protocols must be implemented and they need to be regularly inspected to ensure they align with safety standards. Evacuation plans are essential in the case of fire and drills should be carried out regularly. Customised safety books and posters are the perfect way to highlight specific evacuation and meeting points as well as emergency numbers.

Hazard #6 - Noise Exposure

Mines are noisy places, especially when loud machinery is combined with confined spaces. Workers must wear the correct protective equipment and not be exposed to excessively loud and continuous noise. Again, maintaining machinery is a great way to ensure equipment doesn’t get too loud, and safety managers should monitor working conditions and carry out risk assessments. Prolonged exposure to loud noise can cause hearing loss or tinnitus. 

Role of Take 5 Safety Books in Mining

Take 5 Safety Books are the perfect way to improve safety in mining. Our uniquely designed, pocket-sized books are the quickest and easiest way to complete safety and hazard risk assessments. They clearly and concisely lay out all the important information and are easy to fill in as and when necessary.

They’re completely compliant with health and safety standards and we can even print them with waterproof covers or on stone paper which makes them more durable – perfect for a mining environment. 

All of UniPrint’s safety books can be customised, meaning we can print them with your colours, logos and important information. Not only does this make them much more relevant for your workers but it really helps to improve the overall safety in the mining industry.

Further Hazard Management Strategies in Mining

Apart from Take 5 Safety Books, there are a couple of other processes and strategies that safety managers can implement to keep everyone safe.

Operational Controls. These can include Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Job Safety Analysis (JSA), Permit-To-Work systems, maintenance programs and regular inspections. Making these all part of daily life in the mine can help workers keep health and safety a priority and reduce the possibility of accidents occurring.

Engineering Controls. These can include advanced ventilation systems, hazard isolation procedures, ergonomic designs and emergency shutdown systems. 

Administrative Controls. Safety training, supervision, safety committees, incident investigations, and performance management procedures are all essential in the smooth and safe running of a mine. At UniPrint, we offer free online training to accompany our Take 5 Safety Books so that workers get the most out of them.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). PPE is essential in ensuring safety in mining. Employees need to be trained regularly in how to effectively use it so that it becomes part of the company’s safety culture. 

Safety in Mining: Next Steps

The nature of the mining industry means that it can be dangerous. But, with the right protective gear, safety procedures, Take 5 Safety Books and proper risk assessments, safety managers can ensure accidents in the mine are kept to a bare minimum. Safety procedures and maintenance must be carried out regularly and training must be provided. Get in touch with UniPrint to see how bulk buying Take 5 Safety Books can save you money and reduce hazards in the mining industry.