Safety tips and reduce mining or exploration accidents

Working in mining is a risky business. Earlier this year, a man was killed in an accident at a copper mine in Australia. Another accident at a coal mine in southwest China killed 22 people. In fact, China has some of the most dangerous mines in the world, and the authorities have gone to great lengths to try and enforce safety rules. If you are considering a career in mining,

1. Don’t ignore danger

The first step towards staying safe is to be aware of the fact that working in mining is dangerous. Accept that the mining industry is inherently risky and stay alert every moment of the business. Watch out for your mates too and never let your guard down. Incidents of high impact can happen in a moment of carelessness.

2. Dangerous tasks require planning and communication

When planning tasks, do not think about completing them as efficiently as possible. Dedicate extra time and money to safety requirements. Never threaten the safety of your employees when trying to meet deadlines or improve the quality of work. All risks, including the possibility of accidents, must be evaluated. Try to eliminate risks as much as possible. When there is still a risk, provide your team with clear instructions and teach them how to mitigate it. If necessary, deal with the danger if it arises.

3. Get an apprenticeship

All team members must undergo regular safety training. This should not only apply to new team members. Even old employees should attend refresher courses. Safety training sessions that contain both theory and practical components can be very beneficial. Workers in strenuous roles may be sent for health and fitness checks to determine if they can handle the physical demands of their work.

4. Always wear safety gear

There is a range of safety equipment that miners use for their own protection, from helmets to safety goggles and gloves. It is essential that all workers wear the necessary safety equipment at all times. For example, there have been countless stories of workers being saved by helmets.

5. Supervise your team

All team members must follow safety instructions without exception. The supervisor must also be careful to follow and enforce the rules. Never allow more people to access the site than allowed. Supervisors also need to know where all team members are throughout each shift. Likewise, all workers must be kept informed of what their fellow team members are doing throughout the day. Never allow any team member to breach security rules without warning or, in the case of repeated disobedience, appropriate consequences.

6. Document your safety procedures

When accidents happen, all team members must know exactly what to do. Safety procedures must be clearly defined. When documenting safety procedures, describe the various incidents that may occur, what needs to be done and who should be contacted. Safety procedures should be prominently displayed in locations that can be easily accessed by team members.

7. Follow the latest safety standards

Ensure all safety equipment is maintained regularly and meets the latest safety standards. Never try to save on safety equipment. If an item no longer meets current safety standards, replace it, even if it means increased expenses or project delays. Never allow employees to use old safety equipment, even for a short period of time.
The number of safety-related accidents in the mining industry is high. Unfortunately, some of the tragedies that occurred could have been prevented. Do not repeat the mistakes made by others. While the risks cannot be completely eliminated, following the above tips can help immensely