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Safety Precautions and Remedies in a nutshell to avoid accidents in
Mining.
Working in mining is risky business, it is
crucial that we must take the following safety measures to keep our time in the
mines as trouble-free as possible. The number of
safety-related incidents in the mining industry is high. Unfortunately, some of
the tragedies that have occurred could have been prevented. Don’t repeat the
mistakes that have been made by others. While the risks can never be eliminated
completely, following the below tips can help significantly.
1.
Don't Ignore the Danger
The first step toward keeping
yourself safe is to be cognizant of the fact that working in mining is
hazardous. Accept that the mining industry is inherently filled with danger and
stay alert every moment on the job. Watch out for your colleagues as well and
never let your guard down. Accidents with major impact can occur in a moment of
carelessness.
2. Dangerous Tasks Require
Planning and Communication
When planning tasks, don’t
think only of completing them as efficiently as possible. Allot extra time and
money for safety requirements. Never compromise the safety of your employees
when trying to meet deadlines or to boost the quality of work. All risks should
be assessed, including the possibility of accidents. Try to eliminate risks as
much as possible. Where a risk still exists, provide your team with clear
instructions and educate them on how to mitigate it. If necessary, deal with
the danger should it arise.
3. Get Professional Training
All team members should undergo
regular safety training. This should not just apply to new team members. Even
long-standing employees should be made to attend refresher courses. Safety
training sessions that contain theory and practical components can be very
helpful. Workers who take on strenuous roles may be sent for health and fitness
checks to determine whether they are able to take on the physical demands of
their work.
4. Always Wear Safety
Equipment
There is a litany of safety
equipment that mining workers use for their protection, from helmets to safety
glasses and gloves. It is essential that all workers wear
the necessary safety equipment at all times. There have been countless stories
of workers being saved by helmets, for example.
5. Supervise Your Team
All team members should follow
safety instructions with no exceptions. A supervisor must also be diligent
about following up and enforcing the rules. Never allow more people to enter a
site than are allowed. Supervisors also need to know the whereabouts of all
team members throughout each shift. Likewise, all workers should be kept
informed about what their fellow team members are doing throughout the day.
Never allow any team members to breach the safety rules without a warning or,
in the case of repeated disobedience, appropriate consequences.
6. Document Your Safety
Procedures
When accidents happen, all team
members should know exactly what to do. Safety procedures must be clearly
defined. When documenting the safety procedures, describe the various incidents
that might occur, what needs to be done and whom to contact. Safety procedures
should be displayed prominently in locations that can be easily accessed by
team members.
7. Follow the Latest Safety
Standards
Ensure all safety equipment is
serviced regularly and satisfies all the latest safety standards. Never try to
save on safety equipment. If an item no longer complies with the current safety
standards, replace it, even if this means increasing expenses or delaying a
project. Never allow staff to use outdated safety equipment, even for a short
period of time.
Suprabhat Sarkar
Vice President
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