Miners inspecting an underground ventilation system in a gold mine in Australia
While all businesses should observe workplace safety, it becomes even more vital if you’re involved in the mining industry. This is because mining is a lot more dangerous than many other jobs because of the risks involved. The history of mining catastrophes that have occurred regularly since mining activities began are proof of that.
Therefore, ensuring the safety of everyone involved in mining while simultaneously boosting productivity needs to be a top priority. This has seen governments worldwide implement strict mining safety regulations to try and reduce the dangers and risks associated with mining. But despite this, you’ll still need to play your part in ensuring your mining endeavor safeguards your wellbeing and boosts your productivity. Here’s an article on ways you can improve mining safety while simultaneously boosting productivity.
Closely Maintain Mining Equipment
While automation has helped improve mine safety and productivity, mining equipment needs to be well-maintained at all times. This is vital, as grime and dirt slowly building up in different parts of the equipment can compromise its functioning over time. Due to this, the operation may be halted or slowed down, keeping you from reaching your mining targets.
You need to put proactive measures in place to maintain the mining equipment. This includes doing tasks like performing mining conveyor maintenance and doing other scheduled upkeep. The different mining equipment that needs to be maintained regularly includes rock dusters, excavators, ventilation gadgets and drill rigs.
By properly maintaining your mining equipment, you shouldn’t have to worry about any unnoticed, aging parts malfunctioning. This means you’ll be in control at all time when in the mines, thereby preventing any avoidable accidents while on site. Proper maintenance also prolongs the life of your mining machinery and tools, and this, along with making you more productive, minimises the danger your exposed to. (1)
Get Professional Training
Regular training needs to be done for anyone working in mining, regardless of your experience. Through refresher courses, you’ll get to learn new techniques to boost your workplace productivity without compromising safety. During these safety training courses, you’ll be taken through both the theory and practical aspects essential for staying safe. In addition, your physical health will be assessed to gauge whether you’re fit and healthy enough to handle the demands of working in a mine.
Always Plan Out Your Activities
Although your goal is to make as much profit as possible, this shouldn’t be at the expense of your health and safety. Therefore, you should never start mining before having a clear plan. With a clear plan, you’ll know how to carry out your mining duties after determining all the possible risks. This will help you come up with a clear approach to ensure the mining operation runs smoothly. It also helps you formulate steps to lower possible dangers by coming up with clear guidelines that everyone in the mine can follow. This will help ensure the safety of everyone involved.
Some of the tasks involved during the planning stage include investigating the rock stresses, characteristics and possible dangers of your proposed site.
Wear Protective Safety Gear
Like other manual jobs, miners must always wear protective gear. Having the right equipment is recommended to safeguard you from the harsh temperatures and chemicals often found in the mines. Your safety gear should also be strong enough to lower the impact of any loose rocks or debris. This includes steel-toed footwear and a robust helmet that can also help prevent serious injury, which would in turn impact your productivity. (2)
You also need to replace your safety gear often to ensure it’s always in excellent condition.
Always Observe Safety Standards
To increase the productivity of your miners and simultaneously safeguard their wellbeing, you must always observe the industry set mining regulations. Strictly enforcing these safety rules ensures your workers will at all times remain keen while in the mine. You should also ask your workers for feedback to identify aspects that can improve the mining environment.
When everyone embraces safe mining practices, the safety of your workers is guaranteed, and so is their productivity.
Takeaway
Health and safety hazards are a lot more prevalent in the mining industry unlike any other work environments. Therefore, you need to be proactive in putting effect measures that safeguard your wellbeing. With this peace of mind, your productivity will then increase as you no longer have to constantly worry about your safety. If you were uninformed on how to achieve this, reading over this detailed guide has taken you through useful tips on how you can boost your mine safety and productivity.