MAPÚA UNIVERSITY

School of Civil, Environmental, and Geological Engineering 4th Quarter, A.Y. 2021-2022

Gangoso, Maria Rafaela L.

ESE 132-2 / B1

Individual Seatwork # 1 – OSH Hazards

Butuan City, Agusan Del Norte, Philippines

Particulars Biological Hazards Chemical hazards Physical Hazards Ergonomic Hazards

1. Location of the Head Office:
workplace
 Mining Site:
2. Occupational Mining operations can pose
Health and Safety significant biological hazards that
Issue can impact both human health and
the surrounding ecosystem. One
major concern is the exposure to
toxic chemicals and heavy metals.
Mining activities often involve the
extraction of minerals from the
earth, such as coal, gold, or
uranium, which can release
hazardous substances into the
environment. These substances,
including arsenic, lead, mercury,
and cyanide, can contaminate soil,
water sources, and the air. When
miners and nearby communities
Mining operations involve various
chemical hazards that can pose risks
to both human health and the
environment. One significant
chemical hazard in mining is the
exposure to toxic substances such as
heavy metals and chemicals used in
the extraction and processing of
minerals. For instance, mining
activities involving metals like lead,
mercury, arsenic, and cadmium can
release these toxic substances into
the air, soil, and water sources,
leading to widespread
contamination. Workers in mining
environments are at risk of inhaling
Mining operations expose workers
to a range of physical hazards due
to the nature of the work
environment and the machinery
involved. One significant physical
hazard in mining is the risk of
cave-ins and collapses. Excavating
minerals often involves digging
deep underground or creating
open-pit mines, both of which can
destabilize the surrounding rock
structures. These unstable
formations can result in sudden
cave-ins, trapping or burying
workers under tons of rubble. To
mitigate this hazard, mining
Mining operations pose
significant ergonomic hazards
that can adversely affect the
health and well-being of
workers. One major concern is
the prevalence of
musculoskeletal disorders
(MSDs) due to repetitive tasks,
heavy lifting, and awkward body
postures. Miners often engage in
repetitive motions, such as
drilling and shoveling, which can
lead to overuse injuries and
chronic pain. Additionally,
handling heavy equipment and
materials can strain the back and
come into contact with these
contaminants, they may
experience severe health issues
ranging from respiratory problems
and skin diseases to neurological
disorders and even cancer.
Furthermore, the ecosystem can be
profoundly affected as the
contamination can spread through
the food chain, harming plants and
animals, disrupting delicate
ecological balances, and leading to
the decline of biodiversity in the
area.
Another biological hazard
associated with mining is the
potential for the release of
naturally occurring radioactive
materials (NORMs). Certain
minerals, such as uranium and
thorium, often found in mining
sites, can emit radiation. When
these minerals are disturbed or
processed during mining
operations, radioactive particles
can be released into the air or
water. Prolonged exposure to
radiation can have detrimental
effects on human health, including
an increased risk of cancer, genetic
mutations, and organ damage.
Additionally, the release of
radioactive materials into the
environment can contaminate
water sources, affect aquatic life,
and lead to long-term ecological
disturbances. Strict regulations,
comprehensive monitoring
systems, and proper safety
measures are crucial to minimize
or ingesting these hazardous
chemicals, which can cause acute
and chronic health problems,
including respiratory issues,
neurological disorders, and even
cancer. Additionally, the release of
these chemicals into the
environment can have detrimental
effects on ecosystems, leading to the
contamination of water bodies, soil
degradation, and the disruption of
local flora and fauna.
Furthermore, the use of explosives
in mining introduces another
chemical hazard. Explosives such as
ammonium nitrate are commonly
used to break down rocks and access
mineral deposits. While these
explosives are essential for mining
operations, mishandling or improper
storage of these chemicals can result
in catastrophic accidents, including
explosions and fires. These
incidents not only endanger the lives
of mine workers but can also cause
severe environmental damage,
releasing toxic gases, particulate
matter, and other hazardous
substances into the atmosphere. The
impact of such accidents can extend
beyond the immediate vicinity,
affecting nearby communities and
ecosystems. Therefore, proper
training, storage, and handling
protocols are crucial in minimizing
the risks associated with chemical
hazards in mining and ensuring the
safety of both workers and the
environment.
companies implement
comprehensive safety protocols,
such as conducting regular ground
stability assessments, installing
support structures like roof bolts or
rock bolts, and implementing strict
evacuation procedures in case of
emergencies.
Another prevalent physical hazard
in mining is the exposure to
harmful airborne particles and
gases. During the extraction and
processing of minerals, various
substances can be released into the
air, posing serious health risks to
miners. For instance, silica dust,
generated when drilling, cutting,
or crushing rocks, can lead to
respiratory diseases like silicosis.
Additionally, toxic gases such as
methane, carbon monoxide, and
hydrogen sulfide can accumulate
in underground mines, potentially
causing asphyxiation or
explosions. Mining companies
employ measures like ventilation
systems, dust suppression
techniques, and gas monitoring
devices to minimize these hazards.
Regular training and the provision
of personal protective equipment
(PPE) such as respirators are also
crucial to safeguard workers from
the harmful effects of airborne
contaminants in mining
environments.
joints, increasing the risk of
injuries. Awkward postures, such
as bending or twisting in
confined spaces, further
contribute to the development of
MSDs. These ergonomic hazards
in mining can result in reduced
productivity, increased
absenteeism, and long-term
health problems for workers.
Another significant ergonomic
hazard in mining is vibration
exposure. Miners frequently
operate machinery that produces
vibrations, such as drills,
crushers, and vehicles.
Prolonged exposure to whole-
body vibrations can lead to
various health issues, including
lower back pain, muscle fatigue,
and circulatory problems. Hand-
arm vibrations, resulting from
operating handheld tools like
pneumatic drills, can cause hand-
arm vibration syndrome
(HAVS), characterized by
numbness, tingling, and loss of
dexterity. These vibrations can
also affect blood circulation in
the extremities, leading to
conditions like white finger
syndrome. Proper ergonomics
measures, such as equipment
maintenance, vibration damping,
and regular breaks, are crucial in
mitigating the risks associated
with vibration exposure in
mining operations.
 the biological hazards associated
with mining and protect both
human health and the
environment.
3. To address biological hazards in
Recommendations mining operations, specifically the
exposure to toxic chemicals and
the potential release of naturally
occurring radioactive materials
(NORMs), the Occupational
Safety and Health Standards
(OSHS) in the Philippines and PD
856-Chapter 7 IRR (Implementing
Rules and Regulations) provide
guidelines for ensuring worker
safety.
Under the OSHS, Section 11
(Hazard Communication
Standard) outlines the
requirements for proper labeling
of containers, safety data sheets
(SDS), and employee training on
the identification and
understanding of toxic chemicals.
This includes the obligation to
provide comprehensive
information about the potential
health hazards associated with the
chemicals used in mining
operations.
PD 856-Chapter 7 IRR covers the
management of hazardous
substances and waste, including
radioactive materials. It provides
regulations for the handling,
storage, transportation, and
disposal of these materials to
prevent harmful exposure. This
includes requirements for
To address chemical hazards in
mining operations, particularly the
exposure to toxic substances such as
heavy metals and chemicals used in
the extraction and processing of
minerals, the Occupational Safety
and Health Standards (OSHS) in the
Philippines and PD 856-Chapter 7
IRR (Implementing Rules and
Regulations) provide specific
sections to guide safety measures.
Under the OSHS, Section 8
(Personal Protective Equipment
Standard) outlines the requirements
for the proper selection, use, and
maintenance of personal protective
equipment (PPE). This includes
providing appropriate PPE, such as
respirators, gloves, protective
clothing, and eyewear, to workers to
protect them from exposure to toxic
substances.
PD 856-Chapter 7 IRR focuses on
the management of hazardous
substances and waste, including the
handling, storage, transportation,
and disposal of these materials. It
provides regulations to prevent or
minimize the exposure to toxic
substances, including heavy metals
and chemicals used in mining. These
regulations cover areas such as
storage requirements, spillage
prevention and response, and the
To address physical hazards in To address ergonomic hazards in
mining operations, specifically the mining operations, particularly
risk of cave-ins and collapses, as the prevalence of
well as the exposure to harmful musculoskeletal disorders
airborne particles and gases, the (MSDs) due to repetitive tasks,
Occupational Safety and Health heavy lifting, awkward body
Standards (OSHS) in the postures, and vibration exposure,
Philippines and PD 856-Chapter 7 the Occupational Safety and
IRR (Implementing Rules and Health Standards (OSHS) in the
Regulations) provide relevant Philippines and PD 856-Chapter
sections to guide safety measures. 7 IRR (Implementing Rules and
Regulations) provide specific
Under the OSHS, Section 13 sections that offer guidance on
(Engineering Controls Standard) mitigating these hazards.
provides guidelines for
implementing engineering Under the OSHS, Section 18
controls to mitigate physical (Training and Education
hazards. This includes measures Standard) emphasizes the
such as ensuring the stability of importance of providing
mine openings and working areas, comprehensive training
using structural support systems programs to educate workers
like rock bolts and shotcrete, and about ergonomic hazards and
implementing ground control safe work practices. This
plans to prevent cave-ins and includes training on proper
collapses. Additionally, Section 15 lifting techniques, the use of
(Ventilation Standard) addresses equipment and tools, and the
the need for proper ventilation to adoption of ergonomic work
control harmful airborne particles postures. Additionally, Section
and gases in the workplace. 20 (Medical Services Standard)
highlights the need for employers
PD 856-Chapter 7 IRR covers to establish medical services to
safety measures for the assess and address MSDs,
management of hazardous including providing medical
substances and waste, including examinations, treatment, and
the control and prevention of rehabilitation services.
harmful airborne particles and
gases. It outlines regulations for
monitoring and maintaining
radiation safety measures, as well
as the establishment of proper
waste management procedures for
the safe handling and disposal of
hazardous substances.
By complying with these specific
sections of the OSHS and PD 856-
Chapter 7 IRR, mining operations
can effectively address biological
hazards. This involves
implementing proper hazard
communication protocols,
including labeling and SDS, and
ensuring the safe handling and
disposal of toxic chemicals and
NORMs to protect the health and
safety of workers.
establishment of proper waste the monitoring and maintenance of PD 856-Chapter 7 IRR focuses
management procedures. air quality, the use of personal on the management of
protective equipment (PPE), and occupational safety and health in
By adhering to the specific sections the establishment of emergency various industries, including
of the OSHS and PD 856-Chapter 7 response plans to address mining. While there are no
IRR, mining operations can hazardous situations. specific sections dedicated to
effectively address chemical ergonomic hazards in mining, the
hazards. This involves providing By following the specific sections regulations pertaining to general
appropriate PPE to workers, of the OSHS and PD 856-Chapter workplace safety and health,
following proper storage and 7 IRR, mining operations can such as Section 3 (General
handling procedures for toxic effectively address physical Requirements), Section 4 (Work
substances, and establishing hazards. This involves Environment and Welfare
effective waste management implementing engineering Facilities), and Section 7
practices to prevent or minimize controls to prevent cave-ins and (Medical and First Aid Services),
exposure to heavy metals and collapses, ensuring proper provide a foundation for
chemicals. These measures are ventilation to control airborne addressing ergonomic hazards
crucial for ensuring the health and particles and gases, monitoring air and promoting worker well-
safety of workers in the mining quality, providing appropriate PPE being.
industry. to workers, and establishing
emergency response plans to By adhering to the specific
handle hazardous situations. These sections of the OSHS and PD
measures are crucial for 856-Chapter 7 IRR, mining
safeguarding the health and safety operations can effectively
of workers in the mining industry. address ergonomic hazards. This
involves providing
comprehensive training to
workers, promoting proper
lifting techniques and ergonomic
work postures, ensuring access to
medical services for the
assessment and management of
MSDs, and maintaining a safe
and healthy work environment.
These measures are essential for
minimizing the risk of MSDs and
promoting the overall well-being
of workers in the mining
industry.