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Mining companies must protect workers from common hazards

On Behalf of | Jul 13, 2020 | Mining Accidents

Workers in the mining industry face risks with each shift. The onus is on the employer to ensure that these workers remain as safe as possible while they work. There are some very specific dangers that they should be aware of, so they can take steps to prevent them.

Each shift at a mine should start with a safety meeting. This gives everyone who is working a chance to determine if there are any special steps they need to take while they get the tasks for the day done. Some specific things to monitor for include:

  • Cave-ins and collapses: Working in underground mines comes with a risk of both of these occurring. It’s imperative that safety plans are in place to address this possibility. Inspecting the mines for potential hazards is also necessary.
  • Fires, explosions and smoke exposure: Workers who are underground can face devastating injuries if they’re involved in a fire or explosion while they work. There is also the risk of smoke inhalation even when the worker isn’t directly exposed to the fire or explosion.
  • Electrical hazards: The equipment that workers use must be inspected thoroughly prior to each use. If there’s anything that’s amiss, the equipment should be placed out of service until it can be repaired or replaced.

Some miners face other hazards, such as constant exposure to noise and physical exhaustion. When any miner is harmed at work, they should seek medical care for their injuries. They should be able to count on workers’ compensation coverage to cover those costs, as well as other damages that are directly related to the workplace injury.

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