Mining accidents related to conveyor systems occur as a result of a number of factors. In most cases, several factors combine to result in the circumstance that causes the death of a miner. Preventing conveyor belt accidents in mines involves limiting as many of these factors as possible. Here are a few strategies to keep in mind.
Wear Appropriate Clothing
Loose-fitting clothing can get caught in the conveyor and cause the miner to become entangled in the machinery; therefore, it’s essential to wear tight-fitting attire. Any long hair should be tied back to prevent it from catching in the mechanisms.
Work boots and hard hats should always be worn to prevent head or foot injuries.
Create Preventative Measures
When installing any conveyor systems, it is crucial to ensure there are accessible emergency stops and that the miners know how to use them. Pull cords for emergency stops should be placed strategically for use in the event of an accident. Any emergency stop buttons should be clearly labeled and easy to reach.
Make sure all miners and workers are trained and knowledgeable about how to stop the conveyors and what to do in the event of an accident. These preventative measures can save lives.
Perform Maintenance Safely
Many conveyor belt accidents take place around moving conveyors. This is why it is essential to cut all power to a conveyor system before beginning maintenance. The person performing maintenance should be the one to disconnect the power and reconnect it once work has concluded to ensure there are no mistakes due to miscommunication.
Safe policies and procedures should be set for every step of necessary maintenance. Workers should not deviate from these safety procedures, even in the interest of saving time. These creative time-saving methods can skip over valuable safety mechanisms and result in bodily injury or death.
It’s also essential to make sure your underground conveyor system can hold up to the high-pressure environment. Investing in quality components makes preventing conveyor belt accidents in mines easier.
