Mining is a unique profession that demands specialized training, presenting workers with challenges in both underground and open environments.
Safety considerations are paramount in mining operations due to extreme temperatures, air quality variations, and potential impacts. While the risks of the job can be daunting, enhancing mining safety is achievable through the following safety tips.
The mining process has undergone refinement through testing and experience, resulting in improved safety practices. Modern mining techniques are safer, more efficient, and less hazardous than traditional methods.
- Prioritize Planning
Before commencing any work, miners must develop a comprehensive plan. A well-calculated approach ensures smoother project execution and the safety of all involved.
Assessing the environment influences drilling and blasting design. Thoroughly examining rock properties, stresses, and potential outcomes of blasting operations reduces uncertainties.
Mining technology facilitates area surveying, providing different plan outcomes. Consulting digital models allows exploration of various scenarios. Well-planned steps instill confidence in moving forward.
- Maintain High Standards
Regular inspections and strict adherence to mining laws raise standards for employees. Enforcing safety regulations fosters a sense of responsibility and attention on your work site.
Checklists and protocols become necessary when viewed positively by workers. Encourage feedback for continuous improvement. A safety culture motivates everyone to support secure mining practices.
- Personal Protective Gear
Mining is no exception; head-to-toe protective gear shields miners from chemicals, extreme temperatures, and impacts.
Wearing sturdy clothing and accessories, including steel-toed shoes, is crucial for worker safety. Tailored hard hats protect against serious injuries based on the project’s purpose and nature. Remember to wear safety equipment before entering hazardous zones.
Properly fitted personal protective gear maximizes defense capability. Replace defective clothing promptly.
- Maintaining Equipment is Important
Unchecked worn-out brakes or valves can lead to a loss of control. Using old or defective equipment poses risks to the site. Regular maintenance and cleaning preserve machinery condition.
Tools can accumulate dirt and grime, slowing them down. Lubrication and washing restore equipment performance. Excavators, drills, rock dusters, and ventilation devices require regular servicing for continued proper function. Upkeep prolongs machinery life, reducing risks for miners
- Increase Visibility
Clear visibility reduces accidents, from on-site vehicles to underground tasks. Low visibility increases the likelihood of errors.
Adequate lighting is essential for visual inspections, especially underground. Personal and stationary lights should withstand all weather conditions, ensuring constant illumination and protecting against unexpected blackouts.
Visibility is crucial for vehicles and machinery. Working headlights on mobile equipment alert drivers to nearby personnel, preventing dangerous collisions.
This post was written by Justin Tidd, Director at Beckers electrical! For nearly a half a century, Becker Mining has been at the forefront of industry safety. Becker/SMC is the industry’s leader in increasingly more sophisticated electrical control systems. Most of the major innovations, design features and specialized electrical components have been developed by Becker/SMC.
