Document Type : Original Research Paper
Authors
Department of Mining Engineering, University of Engineering and Technology, Peshawar, Pakistan
Abstract
Despite a decline in mining accidents and improvements in safety performance, the proportion of accidents in mines remains high in developing countries. Although underground mining is one of the most hazardous occupations, surface mining also carries multiple risks that receive comparatively less attention. In developing countries like Pakistan, research is focused mainly on fatal and serious accidents, often overlooking minor and near-miss accidents. This study assesses the risks of fatalities and injuries faced by occupational groups engaged in surface mining. For this purpose, an analytical hierarchy process is used to analyze fatalities data and Fuzzy TOPSIS for injuries data. It can be concluded that all occupational groups are exposed to fatalities and injuries risks due to various hazards. However, some activities are more prone to fatalities while others are to injuries. Laborers are most frequently involved in such accidents. Common risks such as falling rocks and slippage from the top affect all occupational groups equally. Incidents involving slippages from the tops result in more fatalities, whereas machinery-related risks lead to more injuries than fatalities. Hazards causing minor injuries are frequently overlooked in terms of prevention and control efforts until they lead to serious injuries/fatalities. It is suggested that every accident, regardless of severity, be reported and thoroughly analyzed regularly to minimize the recurrence of incidents. The essential measures for creating a safer mining environment include implementing appropriate mechanization, providing regular training to workers, enforcing the use of personal protective equipment, and strict adherence to mining laws.
Keywords
Main Subjects
- Verma, S., & Chaudhari, S. (2016). Highlights from the literature on risk assessment techniques adopted in the mining industry: A review of past contributions, recent developments and future scope. International Journal of Mining Science and Technology. 26 (4), 691–702.
- Badri, A., Nadeau, S., & Gbodossou, A. (2013). A new practical approach to risk management for underground mining project in Quebec. Journal of Loss Prevention in the Process Industries. 26 (6), 1145–1158.
- Kumar, P., Gupta, S., Agarwal, M., & Singh, U. (2016). Categorization and standardization of accidental risk-criticality levels of human error to develop risk and safety management policy. Safety Science. 85 88–98.
- Gürcanli, G.E., & Müngen, U. (2009). An occupational safety risk analysis method at construction sites using fuzzy sets. International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics. 39 (2), 371–387.
- Sari, M., Karpuz, C., & Duzgun, S. (2009). Stochastic modeling of accident risks associated with an underground coal mine in Turkey,.
- Stemn, E. (2019). Analysis of Injuries in the Ghanaian Mining Industry and Priority Areas for Research. Safety and Health at Work. 10 (2), 151–165.
- Bae, H., Simmons, D.R., & Polmear, M. (2021). Promoting the Quarry Workers ’ Hazard Identification Through Formal and Informal Safety Training. Safety and Health at Work. 12 (3), 317–323.
- Sherin, S., Raza, S., & Ahmad, I. (2023). Conceptual Framework for Hazards Management in the Surface Mining Industry — Application of Structural Equation Modeling. Safety. 9 (2:31),.
- Ministry of Labour (2015). Mining Health , Safety and Prevention Review. Final Report (Vol.1) Ontario, 66. http://www.labour.gov.on.ca/english/hs/pdf/mining_progress_report.pdf.
- Sari (2002). Risk Assessment Approach on Underground Coal Mine Safety Analysis, The Graduate School of Natural and Applied Science of The Middle East Technical University.
- ICMM (2012). Overview of leading indicators for occupational health and safety in mining. International Council on Metals and Mining. (November), 55.
- Kenzap, S.A., & Kazakidis, V. N. (2013). Operating risk assessment for underground metal mining systems: Overview and discussion. International Journal of Mining and Mineral Engineering. 4 (3), 175–200.
- Nouri Gharahasanlou, A., Ataei, M., Khalokakaie, R., Barabadi, A., & Einian, V. (2017). Risk based maintenance strategy: a quantitative approach based on time-to-failure model. International Journal of System Assurance Engineering and Management. 8 (3), 602–611.
- Verma, S., & Chaudhri, S. (2014). Integration of fuzzy reasoning approach (FRA) and fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (FAHP) for risk assessment in mining industry. Journal of Industrial Engineering and Management. 7 (5), 1347–1367.
- Koulinas, G.K., Demesouka, O.E., Marhavilas, P.K., Vavatsikos, A.P., & Koulouriotis, D.E. (2019). Risk assessment using fuzzy TOPSIS and PRAT for sustainable engineering projects. Sustainability (Switzerland). 11 (3), 15.
- Sherin, S. (2022). Development of Conceptual Framework for Managing Workplace Hazards in Surface Mining Industry of Pakistan (Ph.D Thesis)., Univeristy of Engineering and Technology, Peshawar.
- Ghasemi, E., Ataei, M., Shahriar, K., Sereshki, F., Jalali, S.E., & Ramazanzadeh, A. (2012). Assessment of roof fall risk during retreat mining in room and pillar coal mines. International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences. 54 (September), 80–89.
- Shahani, N.M., Sajid, M.J., Zheng, X., Jiskani, I.M., Brohi, M.A., Ali, M., et al. (2019). Fault tree analysis and prevention strategies for gas explosion in underground coal mines of Pakistan. Mining of Mineral Deposits. 13 (4), 121–128.
- Shah, K.S., Khan, M.A., Khan, S., Rahman, A., Khan, N.M., & Abbas, N. (2020). Analysis of Underground Mining Accidents at Cherat Coalfield, Pakistan. International Journal of Economic and Environmental Geology. 11 (1), 113–117.
- Shahani, N.M., Sajid, M.J., Jiskani, I.M., Ullah, B., & Qureshi, A.R. (2020). Comparative Analysis of Coal Miner’s Fatalities by Fuzzy Logic. Journal of Mining and Environment, 12 (1), 77-87.
- Khan, S., Shah, K.S., Abbas, N., Rahman, A., & Khan, N.M. (2021). Analysis and Forecast of Mining Fatalities in Cherat Coal Field, Pakistan. International Journal of Economic and Environmental Geology, 11 (4), 22–26.
- Ayaz, M., Jehan, N., Nakonieczny, J., Mentel, U., & Uz Zaman, Q. (2022). Health costs of environmental pollution faced by underground coal miners: Evidence from Balochistan, Pakistan. Resources Policy. 76. 1-10.
- Rahimdel, M.J. (2021). Injury analysis of Iran’s mining workplaces. The Mining-Geology-Petroleum Engineering Bulletin, 36 (1), 15–23.
- Esmailzadeh, A., Haghshenas, S.S., Mikaeil, R., Guido, G., Faradonbeh, R.S., Azghan, R.A., et al. (2022). Risk Assessment in Quarries using Failure Modes and Effects Analysis Method (Case study: West-Azerbaijan Mines). Journal of Mining and Environment, 13 (3), 715–725.
- Abebil, F., Tefera, Y., Tefera, W., Kumie, A., Mulugeta, H., & Kassie, G. (2023) Nonfatal Occupational Injuries Among Artisanal and Small-scale Gold Mining Workers in Ethiopia. Environmental Health Insights, 17, 1–18.
- Nasarwanji, M.F., & Sun, K. (2019). Burden associated with nonfatal slip and fall injuries in the surface stone, sand, and gravel mining industry. Safety Science, 120, 625–635.
- Ajith, M.M., Ghosh, A.K., & Jansz, J. (2020). Risk Factors for the Number of Sustained Injuries in Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining Operation. Safety and Health at Work, 11 (1), 50–60.
- Mottahedi, A., Sereshki, F., Ataei, M., Nouri Qarahasanlou, A., & Barabadi, A. (2021). Resilience analysis: A formulation to model risk factors on complex system resilience. International Journal of System Assurance Engineering and Management, 12 (5), 871–883.
- Gul, M. (2018). A review of occupational health and safety risk assessment approaches based on multi-criteria decision-making methods and their fuzzy versions. Human and Ecological Risk Assessment, 24 (7), 1723–1760.
- Sitorus, F., Cilliers, J.J., & Brito-Parada, P.R. (2019). Multi-criteria decision making for the choice problem in mining and mineral processing : Applications and trends, 121, 393–417.
- Alguliyev, R.M.O., Aliguliyev, R.M., & Mahmudova, R.S. (2015). Multicriteria Personnel Selection by the Modified Fuzzy VIKOR Method. The Scientific World Journal, 2015, 16.
- Mardani, A., Jusoh, A., & Zavadskas, E.K. (2015). Fuzzy multiple criteria decision-making techniques and applications - Two decades review from 1994 to 2014. Expert Systems with Applications, 42 (8), 4126–4148.
- Kasap, Y., & Subasi, E. (2017). Risk assessment of occupational groups working in open pit mining : Analytic Hierarchy Process. Journal of Sustainable Mining Journal, 16, 38–46.
- Banda, W. (2019). An integrated framework comprising of AHP, expert questionnaire survey and sensitivity analysis for risk assessment in mining projects. International Journal of Management Science and Engineering Management, 14 (3), 180–192.
- Spanidis, P.M., Roumpos, C., & Pavloudakis, F. (2021). A fuzzy-ahp methodology for planning the risk management of natural hazards in surface mining projects. Sustainability (Switzerland), 13 (4), 1–23.
- Fouladgar, M.M., Yakhchali, S.H., Yazdani-Chamzini, A., & Basiri, M.H. (2011). Evaluating the strategies of the Iranian mining sector using a integrated model. 2011 Int. Conf. Financ. Manag. Econ. IACSIT Press. Singapore., IPEDR vol.11 (2011). IACSIT Press, Singapore, 58–63.
- Mahdevari, S., Shahriar, K., & Esfahanipour, A. (2014). Human health and safety risks management in underground coal mines using fuzzy TOPSIS. Science of the Total Environment. 488–489 (1), 85–99.
- Gul, M., & Ak, M.F. (2018). A comparative outline for quantifying risk ratings in occupational health and safety risk assessment. Journal of Cleaner Production, 196, 653–664.
- Spanidis, P.M., Roumpos, C., & Pavloudakis, F. (2020). A Multi-criteria approach for the evaluation of low risk restoration projects in continuous surface lignite mines. Energies, 13 (9), 22.
- Mohseni, M. ,& Ataei, M. (2016). Risk prediction based on a time series case study: Tazareh coal mine. Journal of Mining & Environment, 7 (1), 127–134.
- Dong, G., Wei, W., Xia, X., Woźniak, M., & Damaševičius, R. (2020). Safety risk assessment of a Pb-Zn mine based on fuzzy-grey correlation analysis. Electronics (Switzerland), 9 (130), 20.
- Tabasi, S. & Kakha, G.H., (2021). An application of Fuzzy-VIKOR method in environmental impact assessment of the Boog mine southeast of Iran. International Journal of Engineering Transactions C: Aspects, 34 (6), 1548–1559.
- Ataei, M. & Norouzi Masir, R. (2020). A fuzzy DEMATEL based sustainable development index (FDSDI) in open pit mining – a case study. The Mining-Geology-Petroleum Engineering Bulletin. 35 (1), 1–11.
- Siahuei, M.R.A., Ataei, M., Rafiee, R., & Sereshki, F. (2021). Assessment and management of safety risks through hierarchical analysis in fuzzy sets type 1 and type 2: A case study (faryab chromite underground mines). Rudarsko-Geološko-Naftni Zbornik (The Mining-Geology-Petroleum Engineering Bulletin), 36 (3), 1–17.
- Norouzi Masir, R., Ataei, M., & Motahedi, A. (2021). Risk assessment of Flyrock in Surface Mines using a FFTA-MCDM Combination. Journal of Mining and Environment, 12 (1), 191–203.
- Nehrii, S., Nehrii, T., Zolotarova, O., Glyva, V., Surzhenko, A., & Tykhenko, O. (2022). Determining Priority of Risk Factors in Technological Zones of Longwalls. Journal of Mining and Environment, 13 (3), 751–765.
- Esmailzadeh, A., Haghshenas, S.S., Mikaeil, R., Guido, G., & Faradonbeh, R.S. (2022). Risk Assessment in Quarries using Failure Modes and Effects Analysis Method ( Case study : West-Azerbaijan Mines ). Journal of Mining and Environment (JME), 13(3), 715–725.
- Vaidya, O.S., & Kumar, S. (2006). Analytic hierarchy process: An overview of applications. European Journal of Operational Research, 169, 1–29.
- Nezarat, H., Sereshki, F., & Ataei, M. (2015). Ranking of geological risks in mechanized tunneling by using Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process ( FAHP ). Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology, 50, 358–364.
- Mulubrhan, F., Mokhtar, A.A., & Muhammad, M. (2014). Comparative analysis between fuzzy and traditional analytical hierarchy process. MATEC Web of Conferences, 13, 01006.
- Ishizaka, A. (2014). Comparison of fuzzy logic, AHP, FAHP and hybrid fuzzy AHP for new supplier selection and its performance analysis. International Journal of Integrated Supply Management, 9 (1/2), 1–22.
- Dano, U.L. (2018). Improving Traffic Safety Towards Sustainable Built Environment in Dammam City, Saudi Arabia. IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science, 151(1), 8.
- Kil, S.H., Lee, D.K., Kim, J.H., Li, M.H., & Newman, G. (2016) Utilizing the analytic hierarchy process to establish weighted values for evaluating the stability of slope revegetation based on hydroseeding applications in South Korea. Sustainability (Switzerland). 8 (1), 1–17.
- Sevkli, M., Zaim, S., Turkyilmaz, A., & Satir, M. (2010). An application of fuzzy TOPSIS method for supplier selection. FUZZ-IEEE 2010, IEEE International Conference on Fuzzy Systems, Barcelona, Spain, 18-23 July 2010, Proceedings.
- Pachemska, T.A.-, Lapevski, M., & Timovski, R. (2014). Analytical Hierarchical Process (AHP) method application in the process of selection and evaluation. in: Proceedings. Gabrovo International Sci. Conf. “UNITECH”. 21-22 November 2014, 373–380.
- Alyamani, R. & Long, S. (2020). The application of fuzzy analytic hierarchy process in sustainable project selection. Sustainability (Switzerland) 12(20), 1–16.
- Assed N. Haddad, Bruno B. F. da Costa, Larissa S. de Andrade, A.H. and C.A.P.S. (2021). Application of Fuzzy-Topsis Method in Supporting Supplier Selection with focus on HSE Criteria : A Case Study in the Oil and Gas Industry. MDPI - Infrastructures, 6 (105), 1–16.
- Bakioglu, G. & Atahan, A.O. (2021). AHP integrated TOPSIS and VIKOR methods with Pythagorean fuzzy sets to prioritize risks in self-driving vehicles. Applied Soft Computing, 99,
- Mathew, M., Chakrabortty, R.K., & Ryan, M.J. (2020). A novel approach integrating AHP and TOPSIS under spherical fuzzy sets for advanced manufacturing system selection. Engineering Applications of Artificial Intelligence, 96, 103988.
- Habibi, A., Jahantigh, F.F., & Sarafrazi, A. (2015). Fuzzy Delphi Technique for Forecasting and Screening Items. Asian Journal of Research in Business Economics and Management, 5 (2), 130--143.
- Balli, S., & Korukoǧlu, S. (2009). Operating system selection using fuzzy AHP and topsis methods. Mathematical and Computational Applications, 14 (2), 119–130.
- Özdağoğlu, A. (2007). Comparison of AHP and Fuzzy AHP for the Multi-Criteria Decision Making Processes with Linguistic Evaluations. İstanbul Ticaret Üniversitesi Fen Bilimleri Dergisi, 6 (11), 65-85.
- Zhou, X. & Lu, M. (2012). Risk Evaluation of Dynamic Alliance Based on Fuzzy Analytic Network Process and Fuzzy TOPSIS. Journal of Service Science and Management, 5 (3), 230–240.
- Ural, S., & Demirkol, S. (2008). Evaluation of occupational safety and health in surface mines. Safety Science, 46, 1016–1024.
- Sanmiquel, L., Freijo, M., Edo, J., & Rossell, J.M. (2010) Analysis of work related accidents in the Spanish mining sector from 1982-2006. Journal of Safety Research, 41 (1), 1–7.
- Coleman, P.J., Brune, J., & Martini, L. (2010). Characteristics of the top five most frequent injuries in United States mining operations, 2003-2007. Trans Soc Min Metal Explor.,326, 61–70.
- Sanmiquel, L., Bascompta, M., Rossell, J.M., And, H.F.A., & Guash, E. (2018). Analysis of Occupational Accidents in Underground and Surface Mining in Spain Using Data-Mining Techniques. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 15, 1–11.
- Drechsler, B., Hinton, J.J., & Walle, M. (2010). An Occupational Safety Health System for Small Scale Mines in Rwanda. http://www.bgr.bund.de/EN/Themen/Min_rohstoffe/Downloads/Rwanda‐Reportsmall‐ scale‐mines.pdf.
- Tetzlaff, E., Eger, T., Pegoraro, A., Dorman, S., & Pakalnis, V. (2020). Analysis of recommendations from mining incident investigative reports: A 50-year review. Safety. 6 (1), 1–15.
)