Being exposed to potential high-risk safety hazards and environments while at work makes it imperative for miners to always be alert, trained and competent.

The competency of miners can be verified in a variety of ways. One of these is through behavioral observation while workers are going about their daily tasks on the job.

Afterwards, mine managers should meet with workers, both individually and collectively, to identify issues that might ultimately result in safety hazards.

But observation and dialogue alone aren’t enough.

Training is integral to achieving CORESafety’s 0-50-5 objective — zero fatalities and a 50% reduction in injuries over a 5-year period.

Mining companies should always:

• Assess the training needs of their workers based on level, knowledge and skills required for each task.
• Ensure workers know how to do their jobs.
• Ensure workers know the hazards and risks they may face in their assigned tasks.
• Then, verify worker competency through demonstrations.

TRAINING, COMPETENCY AND FALL PROTECTION

One example in which mine workers need significant training and competency is when they’re working in situations where height is a factor.

Earlier this month, a fatality occurred at a Texas surface mine when a truck driver fell while climbing off a large container mounted on the trailer of his truck.

Unfortunately, accidents like this can happen without warning. It’s important for all mine workers and contractors to follow company procedures and utilize fall protection equipment to prevent or minimize accidents.

Take a minute now to review these “Fall Protection Guidelines” to help you better understand the responsibilities, procedures, inspections, and training requirements often associated with working at heights.

You can also refer to Module #5 of the CORESafety Handbook for more information on Training and Competency: Working at Heights and Fall Protection.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

• To check out CORESafety’s Fall Protection Guidelines, click here.
• To refer to CORESafety’s Module #5, go here.
• For the CORESafety website, visit us here.