NIOSH Mining Safety and Health Research

The Machine Safety Program evaluates the causes of mining equipment hazards and develops interventions, methods, and control technology to reduce injuries to personnel operating and working near machinery and mobile equipment.

Large, powerful sophisticated equipment moving thousands of tons of ore and rock, round the clock operation, poorly lighted entries, and adverse weather conditions all contribute to the hazardous nature of mining. Hazards arise from equipment design flaws, deficient mine design, or human error. Powered haulage and machinery incidents accounted for 61% of all surface mining fatalities and 46% of all underground mining fatalities at metal, non-metal, and stone mines from 1999-2003. Miners are still being killed each year by being run over or pinned by mobile mining equipment. All of these accidents are frequently the result of poor visibility near mining equipment, machinery entanglements, slipping and tripping, operator error, and hazards associated with equipment maintenance. The potential for health and safety risks introduced by new technologies must be addressed proactively. Of particular concern is to understand the system requirements and specifications and to address human interface issues involving the operation, maintenance, and repair of the equipment as well as the computerized control of equipment.

Since a truly autonomous mining system is still a future vision, current mining machines will be used for many years. A continuous need exists to reduce equipment hazards, improve component and system reliabilities, and minimize the occurrence of unplanned catastrophic accidents. The potential for health and safety risks introduced by new technologies must be addressed proactively. Of particular concern is to understand the system requirements and specifications and to address human interface issues involving the operation, maintenance, and repair of the equipment as well as the computerized control of equipment.