Human Factors Analysis of Underground Metal and Nonmetal Mines

摘要

The objective of this program was to research, develop, and validate a training program that will instruct miners in the proper preshift inspection, operating, and shutdown procedures for various types of major machines and equipment used in underground noncoal mines in order to reduce accidents and injuries. To identify human factors problems, unstructured interviews were performed with mine management, safety personnel, and mine workers. About 100 persons were interviewed at nine mine locations and work activities in each mine were inspected. Seventy-seven human factors problems were identified. A questionnaire was used to assign priorities to the research issues. The questionnaire was evaluated by human factors mining experts, MSHA inspectors, mine management personnel, and mine safety personnel. Of the 77 problems that were uncovered, 18 were selected for research and are described.