Safe Mining Practices
Mining is one of the most hazardous industries in the world. Across the globe, over 15000 miners are killed every year during mining activities, as per WorldCounts.com . Zimbabwe is no other than any mining nation.
In the past few years, the mining industry in Zimbabwe has observed a massive surge in the attacks of growing artisanal mining that has further resulted in the lives of hundreds of miners. So, to make sure that mining activities run smoothly without posing a major risk, here is the list of practices that would add to the safety of the miners .
Using technology and enhanced regulations are required to facilitate improvements in the mining activities, which helps in creating a safe ground for workers.
1. Wireless Communications For Miners: It’s time that mining businesses should replace their wired pagers with mobile-friendly communication systems. The leaky-feeder communications system is like a handheld radio provided to every worker to discuss with underground miners. It will also help in instantly locating the miners along with the required equipment. In such a risky work as mining, the business must have effective communication channels and tracking aid to prevent loss in an instance of an accident.
2. Awareness Of Hazards: The businessman must ensure his or her employees are aware of the hazards. You need to specifically identify the possible hazards as per the geographical location and further ensure that any of the employees, who may experience them should be aware in terms of what it is, how they can impact them, what are the protective measures, and basic steps in such a hazardous situation.
3. Risk Mitigation: It’s one of the most critical practices that involves taking steps towards the minimization of risk. It also incorporates a well-devised plan for workplace safety and other health programs. Moreover, some critical tasks to achieve risk mitigation includes regular inspections along with proper safety audits. Other than this, it undertakes efficient and effective administration and engineering along with controls in the work practice. Employee training and availability of PPE kits should be maintained as they help in handling risks effectively .
4. Avoid Inappropriate Lifting: In mining areas, lifting can often lead to major injuries. It mostly happens when workers lift objects, which are extremely heavy or when they perform lifting in the wrong way. Long-term use of such lifting practices could lead to back and other spinal cord injuries. They are certainly very harmful and hence, the mining company should deploy proper lift systems along with the other resources to reduce the lifting work. Moreover, the workers should be trained with the right technique of lifting that applies minimal pressure on the back and spinal cord .
5. Data-Driven Safety in Mining: Technology has certainly moved forward in terms of facilitating safety within the mining workplace. It can be done through the leaky feeder device that supports monitoring of the information and further allows the mine managers to have vital safety data. This data can be used to enhance the safety standards of the workplace like adequate ventilation and measurement of airflow etc .
So, this was all about best mining practices that cater to extensive safety for the workers. If you are engaged in the mining business, then kindly adopt all these practices that would enhance the productivity and longevity of your business.
