How can you manage health risks in mining operations?

1 Identify hazards

The first step in managing health risks is to identify the sources and types of hazards that are present or may arise in the mining operation. This can be done by conducting a hazard identification (HID) process that involves collecting and analyzing information from various sources, such as site inspections, accident and incident reports, worker feedback, regulatory requirements, and industry standards. The HID process should cover all phases and activities of the mining operation, from exploration and development to production and closure. The HID process should also consider the potential impacts of hazards on different groups of workers, such as contractors, visitors, and vulnerable populations.

2 Assess risks

The next step is to assess the level and likelihood of harm that each hazard can cause to the health and safety of workers and the environment. This can be done by conducting a risk assessment (RA) process that involves evaluating the severity and probability of adverse outcomes, taking into account the existing controls and mitigation measures. The RA process should follow a structured and consistent methodology, such as the risk matrix or the bow-tie analysis, and use relevant data and evidence to support the risk ratings. The RA process should also involve consultation and communication with the stakeholders, such as workers, managers, regulators, and community representatives.

3 Control hazards

The third step is to implement appropriate controls and measures to eliminate or minimize the health risks posed by the hazards. This can be done by applying the hierarchy of controls (HOC) principle, which prioritizes the most effective and feasible options, such as elimination, substitution, engineering, administrative, and personal protective equipment (PPE). The HOC principle should be applied in a holistic and integrated manner, considering the technical, operational, economic, social, and environmental factors. The control measures should also be documented and communicated to the relevant parties, such as workers, contractors, and regulators.

4 Monitor performance

The fourth step is to monitor the performance and effectiveness of the control measures and the health status of the workers and the environment. This can be done by conducting regular inspections, audits, reviews, and evaluations of the control measures and the health outcomes, using various indicators and metrics, such as exposure levels, compliance rates, incident rates, injury rates, illness rates, and environmental impacts. The monitoring process should also involve feedback and reporting mechanisms, such as surveys, interviews, meetings, and reports, to ensure that the information is collected, analyzed, and disseminated to the stakeholders.

5 Review and improve

The final step is to review and improve the health risk management system and the control measures based on the monitoring results and the changing conditions. This can be done by conducting periodic reviews and assessments of the health risk management system and the control measures, identifying the gaps, strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, and implementing corrective and preventive actions, such as modifications, improvements, innovations, and trainings. The review and improvement process should also involve continuous learning and sharing of best practices, lessons learned, and recommendations, to enhance the health risk management culture and performance in the mining operation.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?