mining-quarrying | WEARABLE TECHNOLOGIES

MINING & QUARRYING

Multiple studies have shown how the mining and quarrying industry is one of the most dangerous – it employs 1% of the global workforce yet is responsible for about 8% of occupational fatalities.

Number of nonfatal occupational injuries involving days away from work

%

Overexertion

%

Fall on Same Level

%

Struck against Object

%

Struck on Object

The intrinsic nature of the mining and quarrying working environment points to why this is the case – danger of injury from fall-of-ground incidents (falling rocks, tunnel collapse, …), falls from heights, humidity, dust/fumes exposure, noise, vibration, risk of fires/explosion, crush injuries, electrocution, heat exhaustion, and overexertion.

The Mining and Quarrying is characterised by the need to work:

• at risk of being struck by moving plant vehicles

• at risk of being struck by large/heavy moving objects

• in close proximity to process equipment and heavy machinery

• at height

• in high noise environments

• at risk of exposure to dust and fumes

• with vibrating tools / machinery (HAV)

• using repetitive movements or in awkward body postures

Mining work often involves using heavy equipment and strenuous body postures in a confined environment, with miners being exposed to excessive noise, dust, humidity and vibration. The resulting long-term illnesses, injuries and disabilities associated with mining and quarrying is also significant, often involving years of pain, suffering and discomfort for those affected.

SOLUTIONS