Manual handling is a crucial yet hazardous part of the mining industry. While essential to daily operations, improper or unsafe manual handling can lead to severe injuries that impact workers and operations alike. From musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) to other physical injuries, these incidents are costly, not just financially but also in terms of productivity and workforce morale.
The Financial Costs of Manual Handling Injuries
Manual handling injuries represent a significant financial burden to the mining industry. These costs come in various forms, including direct medical expenses, workers’ compensation, and the costs associated with replacing injured workers or retraining others. Data from WorkCover Western Australia revealed that between July 2004 and June 2006, workplace manual task injuries in the Mining Industry resulted in 643 lost time claims and 1,064 no lost time claims. This represents 38.5% of all lost time compensation amounting to $23.9 million in compensation claims.
While significant, the actual financial impact often extends beyond these immediate costs. Mining companies also face indirect costs, such as reduced productivity due to absenteeism, delays in project timelines, and potential penalties or fines if injuries are a result of non-compliance with safety regulations.
Risks and Common Injuries in the Mining Industry
The physical demands of mining inherently involve heavy manual labour. Workers are often required to lift, carry, or move heavy loads, work in awkward positions, or deal with uneven and hazardous terrain. These conditions significantly increase the risk of manual handling injuries.
Some of the most common injuries include:
- Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs): These involve damage to muscles, tendons, ligaments, and other soft tissues. MSDs often develop over time due to repetitive movements or continuous strain.
- Sprains and Strains: These injuries are usually the result of lifting, pushing, or pulling objects that are too heavy or improperly handled.
- Back Injuries: Lifting heavy loads, particularly in awkward postures, is a leading cause of back injuries, which can take months to recover from and may even lead to permanent disability.
The nature of mining work exacerbates these risks. For example, workers often perform manual tasks in confined spaces with limited visibility or on uneven surfaces, which can lead to accidents or make it difficult to handle materials safely.
The Impact of Injuries on the Workforce
Aside from the financial costs, injuries significantly impact the mining workforce. Workers suffering from manual handling injuries often face long recovery times, which means extended periods away from work. This personal impact on the injured worker and the entire team, mainly if the injury is preventable, should be a driving force for injury prevention.
Likewise, when workers return to the job after recovering from a manual handling injury, they may face physical limitations that prevent them from performing at their previous capacity. This can affect the overall efficiency of the workforce and increase the risk of future injuries.
The emotional and psychological toll on workers should also not be underestimated. Fear of re-injury or the guilt of having caused a delay in operations can weigh heavily on workers. As a result, safety in manual handling isn’t just a physical or financial issue but one that affects the mental well-being of employees.
Controls and Preventative Measures
A variety of control measures and preventive strategies must be employed to mitigate the risks of manual handling injuries in mining. Many of these controls align with broader health and safety regulations but can be adapted specifically to the unique demands of the mining environment.
1. Training and Education: One of the most effective control measures is comprehensive training. Workers should be trained on how to lift and carry materials properly and recognise when a task is too risky to perform manually. Training can help workers understand the risks involved and teach them to use their bodies in ways that minimise strain.
2. Mechanical Aids: The use of mechanical aids, such as hoists, conveyors, and forklifts, can significantly reduce the need for manual lifting and carrying. These devices can handle the heavy loads that are common in mining operations, ensuring that workers are not exposed to unnecessary risk. While there may be a cost associated with purchasing and maintaining these aids, the long-term savings in reduced injury claims and improved productivity make them a valuable investment.
3. Ergonomic Assessments: Conducting ergonomic assessments of work tasks and environments can help identify areas where improvements can be made to reduce the risk of injury. For example, ensuring that workstations are at the proper height, such as by using a height adjustable workbench, or that equipment is arranged to minimise awkward postures can reduce strain on workers’ bodies. Sometimes, simple changes to storing or transporting materials can significantly impact worker safety.
4. Job Rotation: Rotating workers between tasks that require manual handling and those that do not can help reduce the strain on any one part of the body. This is particularly important for preventing repetitive strain injuries, which are common in tasks requiring the same movements to be repeated.
5. Regular Risk Assessments: Conducting regular risk assessments is another critical control measure. Companies can take action before an injury by continuously monitoring the work environment and identifying potential hazards. This proactive approach helps ensure that new risks are addressed promptly and that the workplace remains as safe as possible for workers.
The Role of Leadership in Injury Prevention
Leadership plays a crucial role in creating a safety culture that prioritises injury prevention. When management demonstrates a commitment to worker safety, it sets a tone for the entire organisation. This includes implementing safety protocols, investing in the necessary equipment and actively encouraging workers to report hazards or suggest improvements to safety practices.
Engaging workers in safety discussions and making them feel valued in decision-making is crucial. This approach helps foster a culture where safety is seen as everyone’s responsibility, not just a management concern. Leaders should also be transparent about injury data and ensure that lessons are learned from every incident, further promoting a culture of open communication and continuous improvement.
Conclusion
Manual handling injuries are a severe concern in the mining industry, with significant costs to companies and workers. However, the risks can be significantly reduced through practical training, mechanical aids, ergonomic assessments, and proactive leadership. By investing in the health and safety of their workforce, mining companies not only protect their employees and improve productivity in the short term but also ensure long-term success by reducing the incidence of costly injuries and fostering a culture of safety.
Tradesales have been supplying manual handling solutions to the mining industry since 1976. For a full on-site assessment of your facility, contact us to arrange a site visit.