Mining accidents now claim more lives than ever worldwide. According to the Chicago Tribune, deaths and injuries reached an all-time high in 2017 with 15 deaths occurring in the United States.
And more recently, a mining accident in China killed 22 miners. But many of these mining accidents can be avoided sparing the lives of many mining professionals.
If you work in the mining industry, here’s what you need to know about mining to keep yourself and your employees safe.
5 Safety Tips to Prevent Mining Accidents
Accidents aren’t intentional, but they’re often preventable. Here are five crucial mine safety tips.
1. Be Aware Mining Is A Dangerous Business
The first thing you need to keep in your mind is that mining is a hazardous business. Be diligent of your surroundings while you work. You need to be vigilant and alert every second.
Be aware of not only your own actions and surroundings but the people around you.
2. Protect Yourself with Safety Equipment
Having the best mining equipment is a must, but when you’re down below, always wear safety equipment. Check to make sure your workers have on helmets and are wearing safety glasses and safety gloves.
It might feel more comfortable to work without safety equipment, but in the event of mining accidents, it can be the difference between life and death. If you’re the supervisor, insist safety equipment must be worn. Many workers’ lives have been saved by wearing helmets.
3. Don’t Overlook Safety for Production Goals
During planning stages, it’s important to consider safety as well as efficiency. As a supervisor, you may want to cut corners to reach work deadlines.
But never overlook safety requirements to speed up production, save time and boost revenue.
Investigate potential accidents, always evaluate risks. When you discover a risk, inform your workers with specific directions on how to avoid each risk or the possibility of mining accidents while working in the mines.
4. Clearly Define Safety Procedures
In the case of a mining accident, employees need to know how to handle it. To make this happen, clearly, define safety procedures from the outset. When documenting safety procedures, list the possible incidents that could take place.
Then follow up the potential incidents with the actions that need to be taken and the appropriate supervisor to contact. To keep safety procedures in the minds of workers, post signs in areas where your mining team can view them.
5. Know and Follow Up-to-Date Safety Standards
It’s essential to keep up to date with the most recent safety standards. Make sure your company services all safety equipment frequently and the equipment matches the current standards for safety.
When equipment no longer meets safety regulations, replace the equipment immediately even if you have to delay your project timeline. Don’t permit your miners to use outmoded safety equipment.
Final Thoughts on Preventing Mining Accidents
While there’s no guarantee that all mining accidents can be eradicated, many accidents can be prevented when exercising proper safety precautions.
Follow these five safety recommendations to avoid careless mistakes that others have made to keep your team safe and in the know, avoid mining accidents and possible tragedies.
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