Working on a mining site comes with significant risks, but many of these hazards can
be mitigated with the right tools and procedures. Safety is a growing concern in the
Australian mining industry, with 41.5% of fatality claims resulting from incidents
involving moving objects. Improving safety measures is crucial. Unlike other
industries, mining Work Health and Safety (WHS) is not regulated by the Australian
government but by individual states, leaving the onus on organisations to invest in
their employees' safety. This article explores the inherent risks in mining, recent
safety trends, and the tools organizations can implement to mitigate these hazards,
aiming for a safer future.
Inherent Risks in Mining
Mining might not be a sport, but it’s undeniably labor-intensive. The industry is characterized by numerous hazards personnel on foot, heavy machinery, high-risk equipment, and more. The work environment is far from what many would consider "safe."
Some key risks include:
● Body stressing, manualhandling, and musculoskeletal disorders
● Slips, trips, and falls
● Collisions with moving objects or machinery
● Working with high-risk equipment
Many of these risks can be managed through rigorous WHS training and procedures, ensuring personnel are alert, well-rested, and capable of making critical decisions. Implementing visual cues in high-risk areas can also help. However, despite these measures, over 8,000 claims have been made relating to mobile plant and machinery, with 7,000 more for wounds, fractures, and trauma to joints and ligaments. So, what more can organizations do to address these issues without relying solely on additional personnel to oversee site safety?
Emerging Safety Trends in the Mining Industry
Many organizations are turning to technology to enhance safety measures, realizing that relying solely on human resources is not enough to prevent injuries and fatalities on site. Over the years, companies have invested in training, setting up protocols, and encouraging workers to voice concerns before they escalate into serious incidents. In addition, advanced tools that detect and alert drivers and operators to blind spot risks are being adopted.
Human factors, such as distractions and complacency during routine tasks, make people less reliable in preventing hazardous situations. This is why many organizations are investing in technology that detects and alerts, thereby preventing injuries and allowing resources to be reallocated or costs reduced.
Hoplo has partnered with Connect Source to bring advanced technology to Australia that monitors blind spots. Coupled with Hoplo Momentum, software that adds a critical layer of reporting and monitoring for staff and equipment, this hardware-software combination helps prevent incidents before they occur and uses data to future-proof safety on site.
The Benefits of Hoplo
Hoplo integrates seamlessly into existing systems, with a small footprint design that allows for flexible and simple installation, enabling workers to quickly return to their tasks. It eliminates blind spots by integrating with your current vision system, providing drivers with the clarity they need to make safe decisions on site.
Key benefits include:
● IP69k and 79 GHz sensors ensure performance in all weather conditions
● Reduces noise by reporting only what operators need to see, such as a nearby worker instead of irrelevant objects like dirt piles
● Suitable for various industries where safety is a concern
● Enhances driver situational awareness by reporting the closest three objects within five zones and three segments
● Intuitive in-cabin display minimizes driver training and vehicle downtime
When combined with Hoplo Momentum software, you can:
● Monitor personnel behavior and analyze incidents or situations
● Track asset maintenance needs ,operational levels, and location on-site
● Aggregate data across multiple sites to make informed, data-driven decisions for safety protocols and management reporting
Stay ahead in driver and personnel safety. When it comes to preventing blind spot incidents and mitigating associated risks, Hoplo offers a comprehensive solution. Invest in a safer future by contacting us to learn how we can integrate our technology into your organization’s safety ecosystem.
