Page 10 - RMAI Bulletin July - September 2021

RMAI BULLETIN JULY TO SEPTEMBER 2021

though there are safety measures in place, we still come across cases technology the risks and hazards
relating to coal dust. can be mitigated and with proper
Y Cave-Ins, Collapses: Sometimes, mining can be catastrophe. The roofs protocol in place we can see drop
or the surface of the mine can collapse due to extreme pressure in the fatality rates in the mining
which can strike miners working or can make the rocks and debris industry.
unstable.
Management of Risks
Y Electrical Hazards: Many equipment that are used in the mining
process works on electricity and are interconnected. Any shock or fire and Hazards:
can result in tremendous amount of loss to the corporation. The mining industry possess
Sometimes, the mineral extracted can also conduct electricity which different safety challenges on the
would pose additional risk in the sector. field of security. Mine safety is
Y Noise: Loud equipment that are used near the mines in a confined achieved through properly
places can cause serious damage to hearing capacity or even analysing the tools and techniques
permanent loss of hearing. Machines like roof bolters, bulldozers, in the field of security, using risk
front end loaders etc. matrix and knowledge of the
particular area. Safety is an
Y Gases and Vapours: Common names and health effects of gases
essential part of any industry,
occurring in coal mines are listed in the table below:
particularly in the hazardous
environment with a history of great
Gas Common Name Health effects
potential to damage the
Methane (CH4) Fire damp Flammable, explosive;
infrastructure and affect life.
simple asphyxiation
Hence, safety comes hand in hand
Carbon Monoxide White damp Chemical asphyxiation in these treacherous environment.
(CO)
Hydrogen Sulphide Stink damp Eye, Nose, Throat As the mining goes deep and wide,
(H2S) irritation; Acute the companies become larger in
respiratory depression their operations that include
Oxygen Deficiency Black damp Anoxia increase in the number of workers,
instruments and economic value;
Blasting by-products After damp Respiratory irritants
thus the responsibility of providing
Diesel engine exhaust After damp Respiratory irritants; these resources safety becomes
lung cancer primary for the company. This

Table 1: Gases and Its Health Effects challenge has to be met with
proper guidance and safety gears to
Sometimes, the risk cannot be seen and measured in the terms of lives ensure the security of life and
lost or the infrastructural damage. These can come as a shock or after property during the process.
effects of mining. For Example- Psychological, Biological, Physical injury
etc. which develops over time and cannot be easily diagnosed. For many years now, the
Government is also putting stress
In all India has recorded 377 death in the last 3 years, as per data tabled on the safety of workers in such
in the LokSabha in 2019. Also, India is now heading towards sea bed sectors. It is trying to develop
mining for extracting seabed minerals and gases. better understanding of
Occupational safety and health
Nevertheless, mining does not have to be always unsafe. With the needs of the mining sector to
introduction of proper management techniques and advancement in minimize or prevent accidents.

“You don't have to believe in coincidences because they happen every day. The trick is
to be able to discern when something is more than coincidence.”
- Glenn Jones

8