Mining professionals are vulnerable to more occupational hazards than those in other industries. Coal mines can be unforgiving, extreme environments that put miners in danger. To mitigate this problem, industry leaders have made it a priority to develop comprehensive, up-to-date safety procedures.
This is good news for current and future employees who deserve healthy working conditions. But what measures are leaders taking to ensure the wellness of their teams? Implement these safety tips to improve the mining industry and your own operations.
Plan for the Unexpected
Veteran miners know all too well how quickly things can go wrong. Often, accidents happen because of slow reactions and poor planning. When preparing for a job, don’t forget to plan for unexpected and predictable outcomes.
Offer training refreshers so employees know how to handle various emergency situations. Consider role-playing certain scenarios to give team members real-life experience. Perform a safety audit before starting work to help you identify and eliminate hazards before they become a problem.
Prioritize Communication
One of the most important safety tips to improve the mining industry involves prioritizing communication. Too often, misunderstandings and breakdowns lead to devastating consequences. Leadership must create clear lines of communication so those in charge can give instructions and guide miners away from danger.
Visual communication is just as important as verbal communication. Use signs with bold colors and large fonts to identify hazardous zones. Encourage employees to speak out when they come across a dangerous situation so they can make a new plan of action.
Provide Personal Protective Gear
Mining professionals need physical protection to keep their bodies safe. Helmets, goggles, and gloves will keep fumes, corrosive materials, and falling objects from causing injuries. Personal protective gear will also keep professionals from mishandling hazardous waste.
Never send a miner to a job without adequate equipment—hitting quotas and finishing quickly is never worth the safety risk. These types of shortcuts are negligible and leave you liable in the event of injury or death.
Stay up-to-date with the most current industry safety practices and document all of your procedures. Reducing workplace hazards is crucial to improving work quality and retaining employees. With effort and forethought, the mining industry will experience changes for the better.
