Slip, Trip, and Fall Prevention for Mining

Slip, Trip, and Fall Prevention for Mining

NIOSH researchers are actively working to help mining companies reduce slip, trip, and fall hazards in their work environments. The NIOSH Mining Program recently completed two research projects related to slips, trips, and falls:

1. To identify and remediate fatal and non-fatal slip, trip, and fall incidents.
2. To enhance situational awareness in underground mines through the development of novel visual interventions.
3. This page provides recommendations and resources for preventing slips, trips, and falls in mining.

What are Slips, Trips, and Falls?

Slip: A slip occurs when the foot unintentionally slides on a walking or working surface.
Trip: A trip occurs when the foot gets caught on an object or obstruction while walking.Fall: Slips and trips can lead to falls, as can other hazards in the mining environment. Falls can occur to the same level or to a lower level.

Background & Burden
Slip, trip, and fall (STF) hazards in mining environments pose safety risks to mine workers. According to an analysis by NIOSH researchers of MSHA data, about 22% of all non-fatal injuries reported to the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) between 2014 and 2018 were associated with STF incidents. Each STF incident led to an average of 60 lost workdays.

For stone, sand, and gravel (SSG) operators, slips, trips, and falls occurred at a rate of 62 per 10,000 full-time equivalent employees per year (2008-2017) and led to approximately 23,800 total days lost per year, at an estimated cost of about $17.5 million per year (2008-2017). In addition, STF hazards identified during MSHA inspections cost the SSG mining sector approximately $3 million per year in assessed violations (2013-2017).

STF hazards can also lead to fatal incidents. Between 2006 and 2015, STF incidents accounted for 55 or approximately 11% of all surface mining fatalities.

Click here for more information from the CDC and The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) on slips, trips and falls.