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Occupational health hazards in mining: an overview
1Alcoa World Alumina Australia, Applecross, Perth, WA 6953, Australia. michael.donoghue@alcoa.com.au
Occupational Medicine (Oxford, England)
|August 4, 2004
Summary
This review details mining and metallurgical health hazards, emphasizing the need for ongoing risk reduction in traumatic injury, ergonomics, and noise exposure. Continued vigilance is crucial for controlling coal dust and crystalline silica exposures.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Industrial Hygiene
- Mining Engineering
Background:
- Mining and metallurgy present diverse occupational health risks.
- Despite progress, significant hazards persist in these industries.
- Continuous improvement in hazard control is essential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review physical, chemical, biological, ergonomic, and psychosocial hazards in mining and metallurgy.
- To identify areas for further risk reduction.
- To highlight the importance of ongoing exposure control.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of occupational health hazards.
- Analysis of risks in mining and associated metallurgical processes.
- Synthesis of current knowledge on hazard control.
Main Results:
- Identified key hazards including traumatic injuries, ergonomic issues, and noise exposure.
- Highlighted the need for continued control of coal dust and crystalline silica.
- Emphasized that further risk reduction is achievable.
Conclusions:
- Mining and metallurgy require ongoing attention to occupational health.
- Specific focus on traumatic injury, ergonomics, and noise is needed.
- Effective control of dust and silica remains a priority for worker safety.