Mining is a necessary industry in the world, and while there are years of history behind it, it is still not perfect. Mining relies on experience, industrial knowledge, and heavy-duty machinery. There is a lot of room for mistakes, but you can avoid them when you can understand these potential pitfalls. Your next project can run efficiently and safely when you adhere to these safety mistakes to avoid on your next mining project.
Skipping Pre-Shift Inspections
Starting your shift without performing a detailed pre-shift inspection is as risky as embarking on a sea voyage without first checking the weather conditions. You and everyone else on your team must be thorough and inspect their equipment and the task to reveal potential hazards that could create safety issues before starting any task.
A proper inspection looks like a comprehensive inspection of your tools and equipment. Additionally, carefully look over your work area to identify any safety risks, from slip and trip hazards to unsafe environmental conditions. You can lower the risk of accidents and create a safer workplace by investing those few extra minutes into a comprehensive inspection.
Neglecting PPE
neglecting Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is one of the most common and unfortunately overlooked safety mistakes in the mining sector. Many miners, unfortunately, perceive PPE as cumbersome or not always necessary. However, PPE is your first line of defense against myriad potential hazards that include, but are not limited to, falling debris, pervasive dust, and harmful chemicals. You need appropriate PPE for your specific tasks to stay safe when operating heavy-duty machinery. Also, be sure to promptly replace any damaged PPE gear—damaged PPE is just as bad as no PPE.
Ignoring Hazardous Materials
Ignoring hazardous materials is one of the biggest safety mistakes you can make on your mining project. Mining requires workers to interact with a wide variety of hazardous materials daily, materials like:
- Explosives
- Hazardous fumes
- Various chemicals
Given these risks, you and your team must have a comprehensive understanding of what you’re working with and how to safely handle it. Ignoring established hazardous material protocols can lead to catastrophic accidents, endangering you, your team, and your entire mining operation.
Failing To Communicate
Effective communication is the cornerstone of a safe mining operation. It is essential to maintain open lines of communication with your team, ensuring everyone is aware of potential hazards and any procedural updates. Without proper communication, accidents are much more likely to happen. Clear, concise communication is a powerful tool in preventing accidents and ensuring cohesive operational procedures.
You create a safer working environment for yourself and your colleagues when you learn more about the safety mistakes to avoid on your next mining project. Your next mining project will be successful and incident-free when you place safety above all else and adhere to industry-standard safety practices.