Hazard Recognition Recognition Techniques Contributed by: Randy Newcomer, CMSP Rohrer’s Quarry, Inc. A.5

Mining, like every occupation or activity comes with inherent hazards.

It’s obvious then that the first step must be to recognize the hazard! A primary goal of any safety action is to remove, reduce, or otherwise manage hazards. It’s obvious then that the first step must be to recognize the hazard! What you can’t see CAN hurt you!

Hazard Factors to Recognize Environmental Equipment/Facility Human Management

Environmental Factors Noise Vibration Temperature Extremes Illumination Weather Conditions Confined Space Explosive or Toxic Gases Geological

Equipment/ Facility Factors Guards Poorly Maintained Defects Arrangement of Equipment Warning Signs and Signals Poor or Substandard Construction Improper Storage

Human Factors Inadequate Training Insufficient Skill Fatigue Physical Abilities Health Motivation Attitude

Management Factors Time Allotted for Task Production Pressures Assignment of Responsibility Improper Equipment Provided Insufficient Funds Allocated

Many times hazards may be easy to recognize. Other times they are more subtle and difficult to recognize in complex and evolving mining operations.

Recognizing hazards requires a thorough understanding of: The Overall Mining Process. Each Individual Operation. Other Workers and Their Capabilities. The Changing Nature of the Equipment. While this requires much experience to accomplish well, bad habits can just as easily develop when the experienced worker successfully ignores hazards without consequences.

Hazard Recognition Skills can be developed by thoroughly integrating them into: Job Descriptions and Expectations Task Training Pre-shift Inspections Performance Reviews Disciplinary Actions

Many types of hazards in mining are suggested by topics required or suggested by Part 46 and 48 Refresher Training. Changes at the mine that affect health and safety. Applicable health and safety requirements. Physical and health hazards of chemicals. Transportation controls and communication systems. Escape and emergency evacuation plans. Firewarning and firefighting. Ground conditions and control. Traffic patterns and control. Working in areas of highwalls. Water hazards, pits, and spoil banks. Illumination and night work. First aid. Electrical hazards. Explosives. Respiratory devices. Hazards associated with equipment used at the mine. Maintenance and repair. Hand tools and welding equipment. Material handling. Fall prevention and protection. Working around moving objects (machine guarding).

While it is extremely important to identify hazards in the planning stage of mining tasks…

Hazards are not static, they change over time as environmental, equipment, human, and management factors change!

Hazard Recognition is a never ending necessity at all stages and levels in each and every task!

Summary Hazard Recognition involves the following factors Environmental Equipment / Facilities Human Management Recognizing Hazards requires an understanding of The Overall Mining Process Each Individual Operation Other Workers and Their Capabilities Changing Nature of Equipment Hazard Recognition is an ongoing process as hazards change over time.

Review Questions (Answers on the next slide) Match the example with the type of Hazard Factor it best represents: Insufficient skill 1. Environmental Defects 2. Equipment / Facility Time allotted for task 3. Human Noise 4. Management Attitude Which of the following statements about Hazard Recognition is most accurate? Hazards are always easy to recognize. Experienced miners always recognize hazards. Hazard Recognition skills can be developed. Topics in MSHA-required training do not address hazards of mining. All hazards can be recognized in the planning stage of tasks. Recognizing hazards requires a thorough understanding of which of the following? (more than one answer is correct) The Changing Nature of the Equipment Each Individual Operation The Overall Mining Process Statistical Analysis Other Workers and Their Capabilities

Answers to the Review Questions Match the example with the type of Hazard Factor it best represents: a. (3) Insufficient skill = Human Factor b. (2) Defects = Equipment Factor c. (4) Time allotted for task = Management Factor d. (1) Noise = Environmental Factor e. (3) Attitude = Human Factor Which of the following statements about Hazard Recognition is most accurate? c. Hazard Recognition skills can be developed. Recognizing hazards requires a thorough understanding of which of the following? (more than one answer is correct). a. The Changing Nature of the Equipment b. Each Individual Operation c. The Overall Mining Process d. Other Workers and Their Capabilities

References Text Grayson, R. Larry (2001). Hazard Identification, Risk Management, and Hazard Control. In Michael Karmis (Ed.), Mine Safety and Health Management (pp. 247-261). Littleton, Colorado: Society for Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration, Inc. North, Carol and Patricia Laing. Public Employee Safety and Health Management. National Safety Council, 1990.

References Figures and Illustrations Microsoft Clip Gallery Version 5.0, Microsoft Corporation, 1998 Rohrer’s Quarry, Inc., Randy E. Newcomer, www.rohrers.com