Safety in Mines: Training Today for a Safer Tomorrow
Mining remains one of the most hazardous industries in the world, making safety in mines a critical concern. From underground coal shafts to open-pit operations, the potential for accidents and health issues is high. Yet, many of these incidents are preventable with the right approach to training, awareness, and behaviour-based safety practices.
What Is Mining Safety?
Mining safety refers to the protocols, equipment, training, and behaviours aimed at protecting mine workers from hazards associated with mining activities. This includes preventing collapses, reducing exposure to dust and toxic substances, and mitigating risks from machinery and transport systems.
Research consistently shows that most accidents in mining are caused by human factors. A report from the Mine Health and Safety Council highlighted that up to 61% of certain equipment-related accidents were due to non-compliance with safety standards. Other contributing factors included a lack of caution and inadequate environmental awareness.
A survey on health and safety culture in South African mines concluded that the industry is more compliance-driven than proactive. It found that mines with stronger mining safety and health records fostered better safety cultures, while poor performers often lacked effective engagement from leadership.
Tim van Eeden, Specialist Trainer at SafetyCloud, agrees, “It has been proven that 88% of accidents in the mining industry are due to human factors. Behaviour-based safety should be the approach to follow, because people have the wrong perception when it comes to their safety.”
The Importance of Safety in Mines
The importance of safety in mining cannot be overstated. It protects lives, ensures compliance with legislation, and contributes to productivity. A strong mining safety and health strategy identifies site-specific risks and introduces preventive measures before incidents occur.
SafetyCloud addresses these challenges by offering tailored mining safety courses. Van Eeden explains, “We redesigned our SAMTRAC for Mining bridging course to be a five-day, role-specific programme that covers legal requirements, environmental health, and practical mining concepts.”
The Most Common Mining Safety and Health Mistakes: What They Reveal About Safety in Mines
Despite advances in systems and training, certain mistakes still undermine health and safety mining efforts, particularly among less experienced workers. Van Eeden highlights:
- Complacency: Over time, experienced workers may become too comfortable. Van Eeden warns, “They get complacent. They know what they’ve been trained in, but they no longer recognise the risks.”
- Inadequate Site-Specific Training: Generic induction training is often too broad. “If the issue is fall-of-ground incidents, then the training should focus on that. If it’s transport, training must focus on vertical transport risks,” says Van Eeden.
- Lack of Role-Specific Learning: Different roles face different hazards. Standardised sessions may fail to address the actual risks workers encounter on the job.
- Underestimating Behaviour-Based Risk: Accidents linked to human behaviour often repeat themselves. “Behaviour-based safety makes a huge difference in safety culture. We saw this first-hand at Harmony Gold Mine, where I worked for a number of years,” Van Eeden notes.
Do You Need Help With Health and Safety Mining Training? Prioritise Safety in Mines With Professional Support
A robust health and safety mining training programme should be specific, practical, and focused on behaviour. If you’re unsure where to start, SafetyCloud can guide you.
Our mining safety courses, including the SAMTRAC for Mining course, provide practical skills and insight to manage risks effectively. Training covers:
- Mining-specific legislation
- Health, safety, and environmental fundamentals
- Surface and underground hazards
- Machinery and equipment protocols
Van Eeden says, “People walk out of our courses saying, ‘Now I know what mining means.’ That’s the kind of impact targeted training should have.”
Transform Safety in Mines: Reduce Incidents, Boost Compliance
If you’re looking to reduce incidents, boost compliance, and build a strong safety culture in your operation, contact SafetyCloud today to see how our training can meet your site’s needs.