Talida Mihaela | Ianuarie 2022

A DANGEROUS JOB – MINING

Mining is the extraction of valuable minerals or other geological materials from the
Earth, usually from an ore body, lode, vein, seam, reef, or placer deposit. Exploitation of these
deposits for raw material is based on the economic viability of investing in the equipment,
labor, and energy required to extract, refine and transport the materials found at the mine to
manufacturers who can use the material.

The top five risks to a worker in the mining industry are:

1. Lung Damage
If proper protective gear is not used correctly, countless particulates and dust particles
can enter a mine worker’s lungs, causing major health issues like black lung, lung cancer, and
chronic bronchitis.
While the number of black lung cases has drastically decreased in the past century, it is
still a major concern in the industry. Plus, breathing in toxic particles can exacerbate pre-
existing lung conditions such as asthma, COPD, or smoking-related issues.

2. Hearing Damage
High noise levels are a natural byproduct of mining, and the main sources of noise are
equipment and transportation. Noise exposure can cause a loss of concentration and reduced
efficiency, and long-term exposure can cause permanent hearing problems.
In one study, 42% of Canadian mine workers reported exposure to hazardous
occupational noise, and hearing loss was associated with those who had ten or more years on
the job. An American study found that about one in four mine workers had job-related hearing
loss, more than any other industry.

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 Talida Mihaela | Ianuarie 2022

3. Stress and Fatigue

Miners often work long hours, handle physically and mentally demanding tasks, and
spend time in dark environments. These conditions can cause stress and fatigue, which is often
an overlooked risk for mine workers.
Research shows that heavy levels of fatigue have similar symptoms to intoxication,
affecting reaction time, decision-making skills, and injury rates at work. Additionally, a
fatigued mine worker is more likely to cause an incident that injures multiple people.

4. Radioactive Materials
Radon is a radioactive gas that is produced by the natural breakdown of uranium in soil
and rock. Radon is a colourless and odourless carcinogen that is found everywhere, but it’s
normally diluted when we breath it in. However, radon can reach unsafe levels in poorly
ventilated or confined areas, like those found in mining work sites.
According to the Canadian Cancer Society, radon is the leading cause of lung cancer
among non-smokers and second-largest cause among smokers. Considering the condition of
mining sites, workers are at a higher risk of unsafe radon exposure than the average person.

5. Lifting Injuries
Even with modern technology and equipment, mining remains a physically demanding
occupation. Repetitive motions and lifting heavy loads are part of a mine worker’s job, but
these actions can lead to back injuries and pulled or strained muscles.
In fact, one health and safety report showed that improper lifting was the second-highest
cause of mining workplace injuries. These incidents result in the direct cost of care and in lost
time, but they also cause hefty indirect costs to the employer.

Bibliography:
1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mining
2. https://www.trainanddevelop.ca/blog/top-5-risks-to-a-worker-in-the-mining-industry/
3. Image by: https://www.shutterstock.com/search/cartoon+mine

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