Analysis of fatalities and injuries involving mining equipment

• Published in: Journal of safety research Vol. 38; no. 4; pp. 461 - 470
• Main Authors: Groves, W.A., Kecojevic, V.J., Komljenovic, D.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Ltd 01.01.2007; Elsevier Science Ltd
• Subjects: Accidents - mortality; Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Canada - epidemiology; Equipment-related injuries; Fatalities; Humans; Injuries; Male; Middle Aged; Mining; Mining accidents & safety; Mining fatalities; Mining safety; Occupational Diseases - epidemiology; Occupational Diseases - mortality; Occupational Health; Quebec - epidemiology; Risk; Risk Assessment; Risk Factors; Wounds and Injuries - epidemiology; Wounds and Injuries - mortality; Canada; Quebec; Mining safety; Equipment-related injuries; Mining fatalities
• ISSN: 0022-4375; 1879-1247
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jsr.2007.03.011

Despite significant reductions, the number of injuries and fatalities in mining remains high. A persistent area of concern continues to be equipment-related incidents. Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) and Current Population Survey (CPS) data were used to examine equipment-related injuries over the period 1995–2004. Incidents were reviewed to determine which types of mining equipment were most often involved and to identify and characterize trends. Non-powered hand tools was the equipment category most often involved with non-fatal injuries while off-road ore haulage was the most common source of fatalities. Younger employees had an elevated risk of injury while workers > 55 years had an elevated risk for fatality. A large majority of incidents involve workers with < 5 years experience. Results should increase hazard awareness and enable mine management to select and prioritize problem areas and safety system weaknesses in both underground and surface mining.