Abstract
Purpose. Technology has advanced significantly but still mining industry faces a higher number of accidents. The purpose of the research is to identify the common hazards and associated risk which are the root causes of accidents in surface mines of Pakistan and to suggest the preventive measures to enhance safety at workplace. Methods. Integrated approach used in this research work involves: collection of mine accidents data from related Government departments; occupational safety data collection from mine sites with questionnaire; fault tree analysis method applied based on three groups of factors/causes obtained from 3E’s Model i.e. Engineering, Education and Enforcement that causes accidents in mine; risk assessment and suggestion of preventive measures. Findings. In this study forty three root causes of accidents in surface mines are identified and presented as basic events and undeveloped events in the Fault Trees. A compressed picture of the root causes is revealed leading to accidents in mine. The main causes identified are human errors, unsafe operating procedure, lack of machinery, lack of personal protective equipment, environmental and haulage related hazards and violation of law. Originality.The root causes of accidents in surface mines have been identified. For the first time, the visual paths to accidents causation in surface mines of Pakistan are outlined through fault tree analysis technique. Practical implications. The identified causes of accidents along with the suggested preventive measures can be used to avoid/curtail the number and severity of accidents in surface mines and can save lives of workers and economy. Keywords: hazards identification, surface mine, accidents, fault tree analysis, risk assessment, preventive measures
Highlights
Mining industry contributes to the economic growth of a country
Safety risk identification and management is an effective step for reducing accidents
Fault tree analysis method was applied to provide a visual representation of the root causes of surface mine accidents
Summary
Mining industry contributes to the economic growth of a country. Besides providing employment, the products obtained from mining are used in various industries like medicines, construction, agriculture etc. [1], [2]. [1], [2] Despite these benefits, mining is among the hazardous tasks and involves extensive health and safety risk to mine workers [3]. In mines the unsafe conditions bring number of accidents which results in loss of lives, serious and minor injuries and economical loss. The number of accidents depends on the geology, presence of hazards and the safety system of the mine. Improper management of hazards and risks associated with mining activities causes mine disasters. Are the common safety hazards while dust, noise, ergonomics and stress are health hazards in the surface mines [4]-[9]. These risks can be controlled by proper management system
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