According to the survey of the International Labour Organization, small-scale mining and processing have five major health risks:
■ Exposure to dust (silicosis).
■ Chronic exposure to mercury and other chemicals.
■ Affected by noise and vibration.
■ Effects of poor ventilation (high temperature, humidity, lack of oxygen).
■ The influence of overwork, narrow working space and lack of suitable equipment.
The five most common causes of accidents in small-scale mining are: landslide and collapse; Poor ventilation; Abuse of explosives; Lack of knowledge and training; Violation; Old equipment, equipment maintenance is not in place.
Poor working environment (lack of safety facilities and unsafe operation) reminds people that accidents in small mines are more worthy of attention than those in regular medium and large mines. But in fact, people don't pay much attention to such things (especially those small mines that don't produce coal). The nature of small-scale mining (self-employment, low mechanization and low productivity) means that the impact of some risks related to accidents is less than that of conventional medium or large mines. But sometimes the accidents in small coal mines are more serious (gas and dust explosions).
For those self-employed artisanal miners, the safety facilities they rely on are almost only their own conscience. Artisanal miners employed by small-scale mine owners usually use their own safety equipment (if any). Even some basic safety equipment, such as helmets, safety boots, gloves and dust masks, is a huge investment for most mine owners.
The reasons for the lack of occupational health and safety in small coal mines can be summarized as follows:
■ Most small mines are on the verge of bankruptcy, and the income can only support the daily livelihood of mine owners and workers. Even the most basic safety measures are a considerable investment (cash or other forms) for them, and mine owners are unlikely to spend money where they will not generate income.
■ Without improvement, the safety regulations formulated for medium and large mines are generally not applicable to small mines. Exaggerated safety requirements will make mine owners feel depressed, make them ignore all safety suggestions and regard them as "utopia"
■ The implementation of safety requirements is usually regarded by authoritative organizations as a tool for the parties to the accident to identify and apply for corresponding sanctions. Fear of sanctions is the main reason for concealing accidents or diseases, which is an obstacle in the process of progress.
■ Lack of understanding of risks, especially the risks of chronic occupational diseases (dust, vibration, gas, mercury, cyanide, etc.). This usually stems from a lack of education and training. Education and training programs must be designed according to the social, cultural and moral characteristics of miners.
■ Accelerate the mechanization process without corresponding safety measures. Operating the equipment completely according to the operation instructions has low safety and health risks, and mechanization requires correct application technology. Some behaviors greatly increase the risk, such as blasting, pneumatic drilling, the application of electrification equipment in coal mines and mechanized transportation in deeper mines.
Education, training, demonstration and supervision are key factors in all plans to improve occupational safety and health in small coal mines.
Miners, mine owners or mine owners must be made to realize that preventing accidents and improving occupational health are valuable goals. In the short term, it costs a lot to improve safety and ensure health. In the medium and long term, this kind of investment can produce benefits.