Why Slips, Trips, and Falls Are Still A Problem: A Hazard Assessment At Surface Mines

Abstract

Slips, trips, and falls (STF) contribute significantly to nonfatal incidents at surface mines. Although fall fatalities and STF from mobile equipment have been investigated, nonfatal incidents and STF hazards encountered at mines are not well documented. This paper aims to identify occupations and activities associated with nonfatal STF incidents at surface stone, sand, and gravel mines, document through a systematic observation the STF hazards encountered, and corroborate the findings of the hazard assessment using an analysis of nonfatal injury narratives reported in the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) injury database. Mobile equipment operators, laborers/utility men, and mechanics were most often involved in nonfatal STF incidents. Walking/running, getting on/off equipment, machine maintenance and repair, and handling supplies and materials accounted for over 80% of the activities being performed at the time of the incident. Solid debris, in the form of rocks and stones on unpaved surfaces and material accumulation on paved surfaces, and liquid contaminants, primarily pooled water, were common hazards identified during the systematic observation. Stair tread issues and transitions to and from ladders were also identified as hazards. These findings were in line with injury data where rocks, ice/snow, uneven ground, water, hoses, mud, and loose/unstable material were the most common contaminants and hazards encountered at the time of the incident. In addition, several recommendations are provided to help eliminate or remediate the identified hazards.