3 - Zero Harm coal mining

Abstract

Until recently, the potential to achieve Zero Harm performance in coal mining was generally considered unrealistic and met with varying degrees of skepticism and negativity. Based on persistent waves of morbidity and mortality, there is ample evidence to support the conclusion that the industry is too inherently hazardous to expect a wholesale, preventative paradigm shift required to achieve Zero Harm. However, new perspectives and performance within the industry and from other mining sectors are changing coal industry beliefs and inertia. The number of industry participants who perceive Zero Harm to be realistic is increasing. This chapter explores Zero Harm as a practical concept and the variables that must be addressed to facilitate a new state of expectation and achievement in coal-mining safety. The path to Zero Harm includes the need to improve ongoing technical challenges such as gas and dust control, ventilation, ground control, and equipment management, among others, but also sociotechnical issues such as systems, human error, leadership, organizational culture, and learning. Successfully pursuing Zero Harm requires both a need to optimize coal mine operations and a willingness or desire to change the way industry stakeholders think about risk, safety, and performance.