PERSONAL SAFETY workers serves as an important lesson in the management of all safety risks. A mine or quarry likely carries some risk of UV overexposure, particularly in the summer months. Employers should conduct an assessment to gather information about work areas and potential UV exposures, taking note of existing shade at the site as well as surfaces that reflect sunlight such as water, sand, rock, concrete and corrugated steel, which magnify the threat. The employer or a nominated employee representative can perform a walk-through to assess UV risk, identify employees who may be at higher risk of exposure, and the tasks and systems that create that risk. The risk assessment can then inform a plan to control exposure to UV light that includes the use of shade, procedural measures and personal protective equipment (PPE). Sophisticated software tools are available to help companies mitigate these risks. For instance, a good Risk Analysis solution can greatly simplify the task of
performing a Job Safety Analysis (JSA), while compliance and training management tools make it easy for an EHS professional to spot gaps in compliance and ensure consistent training across his or her organization. Today, a comprehensive EHS management platform can provide all of these tools in a single solution. Take inventory of the protective clothing available, and issue or encourage use of additional sun protection. The clothing required may be as simple as a broadbrimmed hat and a long-sleeved shirt with a tight weave; protections must also include a broad-spectrum, SPF 30+ sunscreen, SPF 15+ lip balm, and UV-blocking sunglasses. Remember that sunscreen needs to be water- and sweat-resistant – depending on the work to be performed; and clothing should limit UV exposure, but not present a secondary hazard. Loose clothing, for example, can be dangerous to wear around operating machinery.
This is what $16 million looks like
Our 2007 geotechnical study recommended a 5° increase to the pit slopes of Capstone’s Minto copper-gold mine in the Yukon. Estimates suggested this would reduce waste stripping by ~4.5 million tonnes. Fast forward to 2011. The pit is completed and we no longer need to talk about estimates. We know what happened.
As our rock engineering predicted, the steeper, stable pit slopes saved ~$16 million in stripping costs. All part of Capstone’s “relentless pursuit of value”. Ask us how we can add value to your next project.
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Protection as Prevention
In Canada, employers must provide the information, instruction and supervision necessary to protect workers’ health and safety. Since many mines and quarries are operated on a seasonal basis, operators are encouraged to arrange safety meetings and refresher courses for temporary workers at the beginning of each season. Educate employees on the dangers of UV radiation and your company’s strategy to control exposure. Make use of natural and artificial shade (such as temporary canopies or shelters) whenever possible, schedule alternative tasks during peak-sun hours, and increase the length and frequency of breaks to reduce UV exposure. Supervisors should take reasonable precautions to inform workers about potential or actual hazards, ensure that workers are trained for the work they do, and confirm they use PPE and other protections according to manufacturer specifications. Employers should provide appropriate products for use, and are advised to post a copy of the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) on-site. Mine workers do carry some responsibility for their own protection. They would rarely begin the day without steeltoed shoes, helmets and additional PPE, and once educated about the risks of UV light, they should take the same attitude toward skin protection, repair and restoration products including sunblocks and healing creams. Occupational skin irritations and diseases aren’t just unpleasant; they can lead to poor morale and absenteeism, which slashes productivity and adds to costs. Companies can also lose income if skin disease leads to prolonged absences from work. Employers must minimize the risk of skin irritation, sunburn and skin cancer to avert missed workdays and claims that can result. Nobody wants to suffer a painful sunburn (or worse) on the job, but employees may not realize that a greater threat lies underneath that redness and sting. Inform employees about the long-term risks associated with UV exposure, and you’ll help them avoid more serious problems in the CMJ future. MATT AIRHART is president of VelocityEHS Canada, a cloud EHS software company. WWW.CANADIANMININGJOURNAL.COM
2016-07-21 10:44 AM