Mining environments pose many traffic safety risks

The number of accidents in the mining industry has generally decreased in recent years. The changing nature of mining, the type of work carried out with machines and the increased focus on safety are likely explanations for this decrease.

These environments pose a particularly high risk of accidents, such as slipping, tripping and when getting on and off work machines. Other common accidents include collisions involving vehicles and/or mining machinery, and crashes into tunnel or quarry walls. 

In open-pit mines, the biggest risk factors, apart from traffic accidents, are fires in mining equipment, rockfalls, and rocks and debris thrown up during blasting.

Environmental and weather conditions

In open-pit mines and quarries, environmental requirements must be taken into account: Seasonal variations, light conditions and temperature changes can affect working conditions. During rainy and cold periods, transport routes and workplaces can become slippery and icy, requiring maintenance and anti-slip measures.

The work environment

The work environment in open-pit mines is also constantly changing, and temporary road embankments for machines can cause visibility issues or traffic diversions.

Uneven, icy or snow-covered ground can pose a hazard when getting on and off work machines, when refuelling or when inspecting the machine before use.

Restricted visibility

Operators in mining areas should be careful to keep windshields and headlights free of snow and dust, and to ensure vehicle visibility is improved with, for example, flags and warning lights.

Drivers should also be prepared that the windows may fog up when driving underground or that they may be dazzled by the sun when exiting a tunnel.

Safety instructions

• Inspect the vehicle before driving, including removing any snow, ice and dust, checking the tyres, headlights and radio operation and making sure that cleaning fluids and water are available.
• Also check the vehicle while driving, for example by testing the brakes before driving down a ramp or into an inclined tunnel where there may be ice build-up.
• Prevent accidents by monitoring road conditions, reporting hazards, and restricting driving in snow, rain or other adverse weather conditions, especially for heavy vehicles.

Bear in mind

• When approaching a machine in operation, always make sure that the machine operator has seen you before entering the danger zone.
• Always keep a sufficient safety distance between vehicles – usually 30-50 metres.
• Introduce appropriate speed limits in open-pit mines to increase safety.
• All vehicles and work machines must be equipped with first aid kits and portable fire extinguishers.
• Wheel loaders are often used in mines to load and transport rock over short distances. To minimise the risks posed by falling rock and debris, unauthorised persons must not be able to approach the machine during operation.
• Only personnel with the right skills and permit may use wheel loaders. These type of vehicles may not be used to transport passengers.

Other important safety rules

• Never leave the machine while it is in motion.
• Avoid idling.
• When parking a vehicle, switch off the engine, turn off the ignition and apply the handbrake.