Analysis of accidents related to falls of ground in metal and nonmetal mines, 1972-73
Accidents resulting from falls of ground are among the four most frequent causes of injuries in metal and nonmetal mining. During 1972-73 a total of 33 fatal and 673 disabling injuries resulted from falls of ground at underground metal and nonmetal mines. Lead-zinc mines had the highest percentage of fatalities (33%), followed by copper mines (21%), and gold-silver mines (21%). Copper mines had the highest percentage of disabling injuries (38%), followed by lead-zinc mines (20%), and gold-silver mines (17%). The most frequent cause of accidents resulting from falls of ground is the failure to detect and bar down loose rock. Other primary causes are the use of improper scaling equipment, the failure to install adequate ground support, and the failure to bar down detected loose rock. Approximately 67% of the fatal injuries and 87% of the disabling injuries occurred to victims who, apparently, were totally unaware that they were under loose ground. The accident data indicates the need for increased emphasis on training stope and face miners to (1) recognize localized rock conditions that tend to produce hazardous ground, (2) use the proper scaling tools and techniques, (3) test the backs, faces, and ribs adequately and repeatedly, and (4) employ more effective ground support at the working faces.
- Research Organization:
- Mining Enforcement and Safety Administration, Denver, CO (USA). Health and Safety Analysis Center
- OSTI ID:
- 5695581
- Report Number(s):
- MESA-IR-1009; ON: DE83902990
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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