Many people, collaborators, and companies know GespreObra for its connection to the world of safety and health in mining. For this reason, today we will discuss the main risks in open-pit mining and other aspects related to safety and health in this sector.
Open-Pit Mining
Open-pit mines are mining operations whose activity takes place on the surface of the terrain. Open-pit mining is an activity that generates considerable impact on the environment and people, with medium- and long-term consequences. Hence the importance of good practices in this sector by companies and workers. As we have already mentioned, in this article we will focus on the health damage to people who carry out their work in open-pit mining.
Risks in Open-Pit Mining
In general, mining is an activity carried out in an environment of continuous change in which circumstances such as the absence of natural light, lack of ventilation, etc., may occur. And unfortunately, it continues to be one of the sectors with the highest risk of accidents and occupational diseases. Therefore, it is a sector that requires specific regulations on safety and health, set out in Spain primarily in Royal Decree 863/1985, General Regulation of Basic Mining Safety Standards. On our page dedicated to safety and health in mining, you will find other reference standards in Spain on this matter.
Operations in open-pit mining are usually safer than those carried out in underground mines. However, there are certain risks in open-pit mining that must be taken into account.
Risks in Open-Pit Mining Related to Safety
If drill holes are used to break rock, special precautions must be taken during the storage, handling, and use of explosives.
In the video we can see one of the blasts coordinated by GespreObra at Riotinto Mines, which gives us an idea of the scale that this type of operation can reach and the level of risk in open-pit mining.
The main causes of accidents in surface mines are material handling. Therefore, it is vital that appropriate controls are carried out to avoid failures in the management of waste removal and storage, since open-pit operations require immense waste dumps to store overburden products. Poor visibility is also a notable factor in some phases of mining activity.
The use of heavy machinery is an important risk factor to consider in relation to accidents, in addition to slips and falls, the use of hand tools, or contact with electrical sources.
Risks in Open-Pit Mining Related to Hygiene
Heavy work equipment will also cause other risks related to exposure to environmental contaminants. Chemical, such as emitted gases, or substances such as fuels, solvents, and lubricants, which will be added to the dust caused by the mining activity itself.
As for risks derived from the environment, there is also exposure to adverse weather conditions, such as torrential rains, snow, and ice. Excessive heat or cold can also be a risk factor to consider. There will also be exposure to physical contaminants such as noise and vibrations.
As for biological risks, it will depend largely on the location of the mining operation. However, adequate control of the hygienic conditions of the mine must be carried out to prevent the spread of infectious diseases, such as hepatitis, tuberculosis, etc. In this regard, it is advisable that at the start of mining activity, workers have been vaccinated.
Risks in Open-Pit Mining Related to Ergonomics and Applied Psychosociology
The presence of risks associated with physical load and other ergonomic risks is mainly linked to the handling of work equipment. In any case, prospecting tasks involve hard physical tasks for people that may include difficult journeys, the use of dangerous machinery, manual handling of loads, etc.
Likewise, all these factors, added to the already mentioned adverse weather conditions, can significantly affect the comfort of workers at the mining operation.
Other psychosocial factors associated with work organization are also important, such as those we already mentioned in the article on psychosocial risks in construction.
Finally, it should be noted that a relevant fact related to risks in open-pit mining is that most operations of this type are carried out in remote areas. This will significantly influence the evacuation of the workplace in case of emergency. The location of the nearest health centers must be taken into account. First aid training for personnel at the operation will also be very important, in addition to specific training on workplace risks.
