Improving workforce safety starts from the ground up—literally. Ill-fitting footwear is a common yet often overlooked risk factor that can contribute to foot injuries, especially in underground mining operations. To tackle this issue, it’s essential to identify:
- What are the key risks?
- What hazards contribute to these risks?
- What harm or consequences can arise from these hazards?
- How likely is the risk to occur?
- What is the potential impact of this harm?
- Is the overall risk high, moderate, or low?
- What controls are in place to reduce this risk?
A simple risk management plan and risk matrix provide an effective starting point. While major mining operations regularly update high-risk factors, it’s crucial to also consider every day, lower-profile hazards. These “silent” risks may not have immediate, severe consequences but can still lead to long-term injuries if left unaddressed.
In the coming months, we’ll break down these lesser-known risks, identifying the hazards, potential harm, and simple controls you can implement to improve risk management.
It all begins with your feet…
