Mines have claimed the lives of many people. Walking in mines is not as easy as walking on the road. So, considering your safety is very important. As there is inadequate light, the danger of combustion, and water filling the tunnels. Hence, there is a constant fear while working underground, looking for ores and metals.
A few years back, a man got trapped in a mine as its walls collapsed. This accident led to the man’s death in Australia. China has most of the mines that have proven themselves deathly. In a single accident, 22 workers lost their lives in southwest China. Similarly, accidents can happen if you do not take proper precautions during mining. Though the authorities try their best to improve safety conditions in the mining profession. But still, they have not been able to provide safety to the coal miners. So, if you think mining is your profession, make sure you follow the safety tips listed below before stepping foot into a coal mine.
Do not Ignore the Danger
Mining is one of the most dangerous professions. Every step consists of a trap. So, be careful and stay alert when you step into the coal mine. You never know what your next step will cause. It is very hazardous to even work in those conditions. There are chances of groundwater filling in the tunnels or the walls of the tunnel having weakened. So, keep an eye out for any signs that scream danger. It is not only your life that is on the line, but also your colleagues’. Therefore, you make sure that they are also safe with you. Hence, while working in coal mines, always keep your guard up. As you never know which small misstep can cause danger.
Dangerous tasks require planning and communication
As mining is like stepping into a maze, you never know when danger is knocking. So, it is better to know what you are up against. Whenever you start a new job, do not just think about completing your work; think about other factors as well. You will want the work done as soon as possible but plan to allow some extra time. So that your employees do not have to work while keeping their safety at risk. Also, add some more funds for the safety equipment. While planning, think about all possible dangers and make decisions accordingly. You cannot remove all the risks, but you can make people aware of them. Instruct employees on how to avoid accidents by following these steps. If at all, a danger arises, make sure you deal with it with your team.
Get Professional Training
Hiring someone who is not aware of the work can be dangerous. Especially if the environment in which they will be working is hazardous. So, hire people who are aware of mining work. If not, make sure you give them proper training before sending them to work. Also, conduct regular training sessions for safety precautions. Do not just do the safety training at the start. But keeping sessions at regular intervals jogs the memory of all employees. Make sure these sessions have practical along with theory. Also, arrange regular check-up camps to make sure the physical health of your employees is sound. In particular, make sure that employees that work in tedious conditions are in good health.
Always Wear Safety Equipment
Preventing yourself from death in the hazardous environment of mines is a good option. You can do that by wearing safety equipment while you step into the area of mining. There are regulations that state that every person going into the mines must wear personal protection equipment (PPE). This PPE consists of protective clothes, a face shield, goggles, gloves, a strong head cap, and footwear. In particular, when you are going to do drilling, make sure you wear good quality goggles and a face shield. In many incidents, miners were saved because of safety equipment. Therefore, it is compulsory to wear PPE while working in mines.
Supervise Your Group
All the team members soon become your family. So, taking care of them is important. As a supervisor, you must have an eye on all the members of the team. Make sure that they are doing their work properly as well as there is not any danger to their health. You must be strict with rules and make sure everyone follows them properly. Do not let more than required people enter the mine. Also, keep a track of all the workers during a specific shift. Similarly, make sure that other employees are aware of the whereabouts of their teammates. This will help in case of danger as they can help each other.
Following updated safety techniques
As we understood that mining is not an easy profession. In those mines, you may never know from where danger occurs. So, you must be always safe and vigilant while working. Staying vigilant will help you stay away from danger and protect you as well as your teammates. Also, while entering into the mine make sure the work is properly planned to keep all the workers safe and efficient. Also, give training to all the employees by doing the revision sessions after intervals. All workers must enter with PPE on them. While doing it make sure that as a supervisor you will take all the precautions. Also, upgrade your employees’ safety equipment regularly. Bring in new equipment whenever required. So, as a coal miner make sure you are safe with your team members.
Discussion about this post