Investigation into slipping and falling accidents and materials handling in the South African mining industry.

Abstract

The objective of this study was to analyze information on slipping and falling accidents and materials handling activities in the South African mining industry. Accident data pertaining to slipping, falling and materials handling accidents for the past five years were obtained from the South African Mines Reportable Accident Statistical System (SAMRASS). The information obtained was analysed to identify the causal factors and circumstances under which these accidents occurred. A limited survey was conducted at a gold mine, a colliery and a quarry to establish current manual materials handling practices. This included walk-through observational surveys of the work facilities to observe obvious ergonomics-related risk factors.