for nearly 74 percent of cases. The top five work locations attributed to fall-related imminent danger orders were truck, conveyor, screen, crusher and highwall. These work surfaces were grouped based on the type of work and location into three common work situ-ations: working on a truck, working in a plant area, and working near a highwall. While the analysis of imminent danger orders in this study revealed that, in most cases, appropriate use of fall protection may have allowed the worker to perform the task safely, consideration of the workplace design may also help to eliminate the fall risk and need for fall protection. Truck drivers, for example, should not have to put themselves in fall-from-height situations to remove excess materials due to poor loading practices. More-over, providing tarping or hatching stations may eliminate the need for fall protection when tarping a load or opening and closing hatches. These findings indicate that not using fall protection and the improper use of fall protection remains a significant problem in the mining industry. How-ever, the results do not explain why mine workers may not always choose to use fall protection when it is provided. REINFORCING PROPER USE As a first step toward preventing fall-re-lated imminent danger situations, it is essential that mine workers know how to safely use their personal fall protection equipment and when its use is necessary. To help reinforce the proper use of personal fall protection, NIOSH devel-oped two infographics on fall protection (“As Simple as ABC” and “As Easy as 123” that may be posted in useful areas. The infographics provide a simple way to remember the three key components of personal fall protection equipment and three easy steps to appropriately use fall protection. Visit “Slip, Trip & Fall Prevention for Mining” at cdc.gov/ pitandquarry.com niosh/mining/content/STFprevention. html for more information. P & Q Jonathan K. Hrica, Mahiyar Nasarwanji, Brianna M. Eiter, Jonisha P. Pollard and Lydia M. Kocher are with the National In-stitute for Occupational Safety & Health (NIOSH). The findings and conclusions in this work are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official position of NIOSH, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention. The Driller’s Choice PERFORMANCE REDEFINED. High-performance productivity meets efficiency The new Mincon MP40 represents the next generation of DTH hammer technology . For more than four decades Mincon has worked on site with drillers, using their feedback to evolve product designs and deliver solutions that have a lower cost per metre drilled. The result? A 4-inch DTH hammer that sets new benchmarks for speed, efficiency, and durability . Every terrain presents unique challenges. When you need high-performing products and excellent service to boost your site’s productivity, you need Mincon . In every region, Mincon’s local teams provide class-leading technical expertise to help customers reduce downtime and achieve maximum performance from our class-leading drilling solutions. Visit Mincon.com for more information about the next-generation Mincon MP40 and how it can make a difference where it matters most -on the ground . February 2021 PIT&QUARRY 55
Pit & Quarry February 2021: Page 55
