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Discover the Essential Guide to Safe Work Practices in Iron Ore Mining: Protect the health and safety of employees in this important industry. Learn about preventive measures, safety procedures, and specific guidelines to ensure a reliable work environment and protect everyone from potential hazards.

Table of Contents

PART I: CURRENT STATE OF SAFETY IN THE IRON ORE MINING INDUSTRY

I. General Situation

The Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs informs sectors and localities of the occupational accident situation in the first 6 months of 2024 and outlines key solutions to proactively prevent incidents and accidents in the last 6 months of 2024. According to reports from 61 out of 63 centrally governed provinces and cities, in the first 6 months of 2024, there were a total of 3,201 occupational accidents nationwide (a decrease of 227 cases, equivalent to 7.09% compared to the same period in 2023), resulting in 3,065 victims (a decrease of 197 people, equivalent to 6.04% compared to the first 6 months of 2023), including both employees under labor contracts and those working without labor contracts. Specifically:

Number of fatal occupational accidents: 320 cases, a decrease of 25 cases (7.25%) compared to the first 6 months of 2023 (including 245 cases in areas with labor relations, a decrease of 28 cases or 10.3%; and 75 cases in areas without labor contracts, an increase of 3 cases or 4.2% compared to the first 6 months of 2023);
Number of deaths due to occupational accidents: 346 people, a decrease of 7 people or 1.98% compared to the same period in 2023 (including 268 in areas with labor relations, a decrease of 13 people or 4.63%; and 78 in areas without labor contracts, an increase of 6 people or 8.33%).
Number of people seriously injured: 810 people, an increase of 26 people or 3.32% compared to the first 6 months of 2023 (including 710 in areas with labor relations, a decrease of 5 people or 0.7%; and 100 in areas without labor contracts, an increase of 31 people or 44.92%).

Download the PDF file Occupational Accident Report – First 6 Months of 2024 issued by the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs.

The occupational accident situation in the first 6 months of 2024 in both sectors with and without labor relations saw a decrease in the number of deaths and fatal accidents compared to the same period in 2023.

II. Some Occupational Accidents in Iron Ore Mines

In the iron ore mining industry, occupational accidents are a serious issue that threatens the lives and health of workers. Here are some notable accidents that have occurred in the history of the iron ore mining industry:

The Brumadinho dam disaster, Brazil (2019): One of the most serious accidents in the iron ore mining industry was the dam collapse at the Brumadinho mine, Brazil in January 2019. A dam holding waste from the iron ore mining process collapsed, killing hundreds of people and causing an environmental disaster.
Rana Plaza accident, Bangladesh (2013): In a case not directly related to iron ore mining but still connected to the steel industry, the collapse of the Rana Plaza building in Bangladesh in 2013 killed and injured thousands, including many garment workers working for factories producing clothing for international companies.
The Westray Mine explosion, Canada (1992): Another famous accident in the history of iron ore mining was the explosion at the Westray Mine, Canada in 1992. A methane gas explosion occurred, killing 26 people. This event led to improvements in occupational safety standards in the Canadian mining industry.
Soma mine accident, Turkey (2014): In another serious accident, in 2014, a gas explosion at the Soma mine, Turkey caused a disaster with over 300 workers missing or dead. This event highlighted the issue of occupational safety in the Turkish iron ore mining industry and led to the improvement of occupational safety measures.

These accidents highlight the necessity of promoting occupational safety measures and strict supervision in the iron ore mining industry to protect the lives and health of workers.

PART II: OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH DURING IRON ORE MINING

I. Occupational safety and health for drilling and blasting workers

1. Job characteristics of drilling and blasting

Drilling and blasting are an important part of the iron ore mining process. Miners often perform these stages to break and separate the iron ore from the rock, creating conditions for the subsequent transportation and processing of the ore. This requires high precision to ensure safety and efficiency in the mining process.

The drilling process usually begins with selecting a drilling location that is suitable for the geological structure and shape of the rock. Miners use professional drilling equipment to drill holes in the ground or on the rock face. These holes are then filled with explosives and other blasting materials to prepare for the blasting process.

When ready, the blasting process takes place under the strict control of the miners and safety experts. The selection of the type of explosive and the design of the appropriate amount of explosive are very important to ensure that the blasting process is safe and effective. When the blast is successful, the rocks will be broken and the iron ore will be separated to be collected and transported.

2. Types of occupational accidents during drilling and blasting

Unintentional Blasting: This is one of the most dangerous accidents that can occur during blasting. Unintentional blasting can occur due to errors in the preparation or use of explosives, leading to a serious risk to the safety of miners and other personnel in the area.
Ground collapse and landslides: Drilling and blasting can change the geological structure and weaken the surrounding rocks. This can cause ground collapse and landslides, causing miners to be buried or injured.
Blasting-induced earthquakes: In some cases, blasting processes can cause earthquakes, especially when the blasting takes place near seismic zones or unstable ground.
Fire and explosion and gas leaks: The use of explosives and other blasting materials can create a risk of fire and explosion, especially in an environment with the presence of flammable gases such as methane.
Injuries from equipment and tools: Miners can also be at risk of injury from the equipment and tools used in the drilling and blasting process, such as drills, blasting machines, and hand tools.

3. Causes of occupational accidents when drilling and blasting

Errors in the preparation process: Careless preparation before the drilling and blasting process can lead to serious accidents. This may include the improper use of explosives, failure to thoroughly check the condition of the rock before blasting, or failure to ensure the safety of the equipment and personnel in the area.
Lack of control and supervision: A lack of control and supervision in the drilling and blasting process can create dangerous situations. If there is no close supervision from managers and safety experts, miners may perform unsafe or careless activities.

– Toxic gas and fire/explosion: In some cases, iron ore mines may contain toxic gases such as methane, which if not controlled can lead to serious fire and explosion accidents. Failure to control the presence and leakage of toxic gases during the drilling and blasting process can cause unforeseen dangers.
– Ground collapse and landslides: The drilling and blasting process can change the geological structure, creating a risk of ground collapse and landslides. If these impacts are not predicted and preventive measures are not taken, miners can be trapped or injured in these accidents.

4. Measures to prevent occupational accidents when drilling and blasting

Occupational safety training:
- Provide full training and guidance on occupational safety procedures related to drilling and blasting.
- Ensure that all employees involved in this process are trained on how to recognize and respond to dangerous situations.
Explosives control:
- Implement strict control over the use, storage, and transportation of explosives.
- Ensure that only trained and certified personnel are allowed to handle and work with explosives.
Equipment supervision and inspection:
- Perform regular inspection and maintenance of drilling and blasting equipment to ensure they are working properly and safely.
- Use preventive equipment and tools to reduce the risk of incidents and accidents due to equipment failure.
Environmental control:
- Monitor and control toxic gases in the air, such as methane, to ensure the safety of workers.
- Take preventive measures to reduce the risk of ground collapse and landslides.
Implement an evacuation and rescue plan:
- Develop and implement an emergency evacuation plan in case of a serious accident.
- Train and prepare a rescue team to ensure that rescue measures are deployed quickly and effectively when needed.

5. Occupational safety regulations when drilling and blasting

Training and certification: All employees involved in drilling and blasting must be fully trained on occupational safety procedures and have the appropriate certification before participating in the actual work.
Use of personal protective equipment (PPE): Employees must use full and correct personal protective equipment such as a helmet, safety glasses, gloves, and nail-proof shoes.
Safety check before each process: Before each drilling and blasting process, it is necessary to check and ensure that all equipment and tools are working properly and are safe for the worker.
Supervision and control of the work environment: Monitor and control the level of toxic gases and the risk of ground collapse to ensure the safety of employees working in the drilling and blasting environment.
Implementation of accident prevention measures: Apply preventive measures such as controlling multiple risk sources, following safety procedures when using explosives, and implementing an emergency evacuation plan when necessary.

6. Handling emergency occupational accident situations when drilling and blasting

Report immediately: The worker who discovers the accident must report immediately to the managers and the authorities. Detailed information about the location, number of people affected, and the nature of the accident must be provided accurately and quickly.
Conduct evacuation and rescue: Evacuation and rescue measures must be deployed immediately to ensure the safety of all employees in the accident area. This may include the use of protective equipment and rescue vehicles, as well as the coordination of rescue teams and ambulances.
Medical care: The injured employees should be provided with timely and professional medical care. The deployment of first aid measures and transfer to the nearest medical facilities are extremely important to reduce the risk of injury and death.
Conduct an investigation and analyze the cause: After the accident has been controlled, a detailed investigation should be conducted to determine the cause and to learn from the experience. The analysis of the cause helps the iron ore mining industry to improve safety measures and to prevent similar accidents in the future.

II. Occupational safety and health for ore excavation and transport staff

1. Job characteristics of ore excavation and transport

Ore excavation: The ore excavation work is usually done by using special machinery and equipment to dig and move the ore from the mining site. The miners must have the skills to operate the machinery and equipment safely and effectively to ensure the excavation process is seamless.

– Ore transport: After the ore has been excavated, it needs to be transported to the transport vehicles or conveyor belts. The ore transport can be done by using trucks, conveyor chains, or other transport vehicles suitable for the conditions and scale of each mine.
– Safety and efficiency: In the process of excavating and transporting the ore, safety is always the top priority. The miners need to follow the occupational safety regulations and use personal protective equipment to ensure the safety of themselves and their colleagues. At the same time, the organization and management of the transport process also need to be carried out effectively to ensure the ore is transported to its destination quickly and safely.
– Accuracy and economy: For each mine, the excavation and transport of the ore need to be carried out accurately and economically. The use of modern techniques and equipment, along with the optimization of the work process, helps to increase efficiency and reduce waste in this process.

2. Types of occupational accidents during ore excavation and transport

Ground collapse and landslides: The excavation and transport of ore can change the geological structure, creating a risk of ground collapse and landslides. The miners can be trapped or seriously injured if there are no proper prevention and safety measures.
Injuries from equipment and machinery: The use of excavation and transport equipment and machinery can cause accidents if not operated correctly or if there is a technical failure.
Traffic accidents: During the transport of ore to the transport vehicles, traffic accidents can occur for many reasons such as careless driving, a stop, or bad weather conditions.
Fire and explosion and gas leaks: If the ore contains toxic substances or has a risk of fire and explosion, accidents can occur during the excavation and transport process, especially if there are no safety and technical control measures.
Death and injury: Serious accidents in the process of excavating and transporting ore can lead to deaths or serious injuries for the employees working in the mine environment.

3. Causes of occupational accidents when excavating and transporting ore

Lack of training and safety awareness: Employees who are not fully trained on occupational safety procedures and are not aware of the importance of following safety regulations can lead to dangerous situations and accidents.
Use of unsafe equipment: The use of non-standard or irregularly maintained equipment and machinery can create a risk of accidents due to technical failures, breakdowns, or sudden failures.
Hazardous work environment: The work environment in a mine often has many hazardous factors such as toxic gas, risk of ground collapse, risk of fire and explosion, and harsh working conditions such as high temperature, pressure, and humidity.
Loose management and supervision: A lack of supervision and control from managers can lead to a failure to comply with safety regulations and to a failure to implement full preventive measures, creating conditions for accidents to occur.
Human error: Human errors such as a lack of concentration, fatigue, or a lack of observation can cause unfortunate accidents in the process of excavating and transporting ore.

4. Measures to prevent occupational accidents when excavating and transporting ore

Work environment monitoring: Perform regular and continuous monitoring of work environment factors such as toxic gas, temperature, humidity, and pressure to assess risks and take appropriate preventive measures.
Training and education: Provide full training on occupational safety procedures and the use of personal protective equipment. At the same time, ensure employees have a clear understanding of the risks and accident prevention measures.
Control of the work environment: Apply measures to control and reduce the hazardous factors in the work environment such as the risk of ground collapse, toxic gas, and the risk of fire and explosion.
Maintenance and inspection of equipment: Perform regular inspection and maintenance of excavation and transport equipment and machinery to ensure they are operating safely and effectively.
Supervision and risk assessment: Perform regular supervision and risk assessment to identify and eliminate potential hazards, and at the same time, improve the work process and apply new preventive measures.

5. Occupational safety regulations when excavating and transporting ore

Training and education: All employees involved in the excavation and transport of ore must be fully trained on occupational safety procedures, the use of personal protective equipment, and emergency response.
Use of personal protective equipment: Everyone working in the mine area must ensure the full and correct use of personal protective equipment such as a helmet, safety glasses, gloves, and nail-proof shoes.
Safety check before each work shift: Before starting each work shift, a safety check should be conducted to ensure that all equipment and machinery are working properly and there are no hazardous risks.
Risk management: It is necessary to perform a regular risk assessment and management, identifying and eliminating the hazardous factors that can cause accidents for employees.
Compliance with work environment regulations: The regulations on the work environment such as working time limits, safe working conditions, and control of hazardous factors must be strictly followed.

6. Handling emergency occupational accident situations when excavating and transporting ore

Protect lives: Survival is the top priority. As soon as an accident is discovered, it is necessary to ensure the safety of yourself and your colleagues by moving out of the hazardous area and using personal protective equipment.
Call for an ambulance: Immediately contact the ambulance service and provide detailed information about the accident situation, the specific location, and the number of injured people so that they can send a rescue team in time.
Preserve the scene: Avoid causing further damage and keep the accident scene intact for a subsequent investigation. At the same time, it is necessary to prevent the risk of infection or other secondary accidents that may occur.
Support and care for the victim: Provide first aid immediately to the injured and ensure they are transferred to the nearest medical facility to receive further care.
Report and investigate: Make a detailed report about the accident and related information to support the subsequent investigation and to ensure the prevention of a recurrence of the accident.

III. Occupational safety and health for ore processing and screening staff

1. Job characteristics of ore processing and screening

The ore processing and screening process is an important part of the iron ore mining industry, aimed at removing impurities and increasing the concentration of iron ore. This work requires precision and patience, and miners can often participate in this process, depending on the organizational structure of each mine.

During the processing, the iron ore is usually crushed and ground to separate the ore particles from the impurities. Then, the iron ore is further passed through processes such as washing, sorting, and separation to remove phụ gia and to increase the concentration of iron ore.

The screening of the ore is also an important part of this process. Through the use of different types of screens or screening equipment, the ore particles are sorted by size and the small particles or unwanted impurities are removed.

2. Types of occupational accidents during ore processing and screening

Collision and impact: Accidents from collision with machinery or moving materials during the processing and screening of ore can cause serious injuries to miners.
Temperature and pressure: The ore processing equipment often operates at high temperature and high pressure, with a risk of accidents from uncontrolled temperature or pressure.
Risk of explosion and fire: Some ore processing processes can create toxic gas or a risk of explosion and fire, especially when processing types of ore that contain hazardous compounds.
Equipment failure: The failure or loss of control of the equipment and machinery in the processing and screening of ore can lead to unwanted accidents.
Risks from the work environment: The work environment in an ore processing plant can often include hazardous factors such as toxic gas, chemical dust, and harsh working conditions.

3. Causes of occupational accidents when processing and screening ore

Equipment and machinery failure: The failure of the equipment and machinery in the processing and screening of ore can lead to unwanted accidents, especially when they cannot be controlled.
Lack of training and education: Employees who are not fully trained on how to use the equipment and to follow the safety procedures can lead to errors and accidents.
Toxic gas and hazardous substances: The ore processing processes can create toxic gases and hazardous substances, which are dangerous to the health of employees if not controlled and handled correctly.
Lack of risk management: The lack of risk management and the failure to correctly assess the level of danger of the activities can lead to a failure to take accident prevention measures.
Unsafe work environment: The work environment in ore processing plants can often include hazardous factors such as toxic gas, chemical dust, and high temperature, contributing to an increased risk of occupational accidents.

4. Measures to prevent occupational accidents when processing and screening ore

Training and education: All employees involved in the processing and screening of ore should be fully trained on occupational safety procedures, the use of personal protective equipment, and the identification of potential hazards.
Use of personal protective equipment: Everyone working in the ore processing area must ensure the full and correct use of personal protective equipment such as a helmet, safety glasses, gloves, and nail-proof shoes.
Safety check before each work shift: Before starting each work shift, a safety check should be conducted to ensure that all equipment and machinery are working properly and there are no hazardous risks.
Risk management: It is necessary to perform a regular risk assessment and management, identifying and eliminating the hazardous factors that can cause accidents for employees.
Compliance with work environment regulations: The regulations on the work environment such as working time limits, safe working conditions, and control of hazardous factors must be strictly followed.

5. Occupational safety regulations when processing and screening ore

Use of personal protective equipment: All employees involved in the processing and screening of ore must ensure the full and correct use of personal protective equipment such as a helmet, safety glasses, gloves, and nail-proof shoes.

– Training and education: All employees must be fully trained on occupational safety procedures, the use of equipment and machinery, as well as the identification of potential hazards and accident prevention measures. Complete tests at occupational safety centers to obtain an occupational safety certificate. This will ensure that workers understand safety knowledge and have valid certification for employment.
– Safety check before each work shift: Before starting each work shift, a safety check should be conducted to ensure that all equipment and machinery are working properly and there are no hazardous risks.
– Risk management: It is necessary to perform a regular risk assessment and management, identifying and eliminating the hazardous factors that can cause accidents for employees.
– Compliance with work environment regulations: The regulations on the work environment such as working time limits, safe working conditions, and control of hazardous factors must be strictly followed.

6. Handling emergency occupational accident situations when processing and screening ore

Protect the lives and health of employees

Call for an ambulance

Report the accident

Provide emotional support to employees

IV. Occupational safety and health for equipment maintenance and repair staff

1. Job characteristics of equipment maintenance and repair

Regular inspection and maintenance: Perform regular inspection and maintenance of equipment to ensure it is operating stably and effectively.
Troubleshooting: Handle incidents and breakdowns on equipment quickly and accurately to avoid disrupting production.
Upgrading and improvement: Perform upgrades and improvements on equipment to improve performance and save operating costs.
Implementation of safety measures: Equipment maintenance and repair also include ensuring compliance with occupational safety and environmental protection regulations.
Record and report work: Ensure that maintenance and repair activities are recorded in detail and fully, and at the same time, report incidents and improvements to the management.

2. Types of occupational accidents during equipment maintenance and repair

Impact and collision: During movement or repair work, miners may experience impacts or collisions with equipment or work tools, causing injuries, bruises, or broken bones.
Risk of fire and explosion: The use of flammable tools and materials in maintenance and repair can create a risk of fire and explosion, especially when performing welding, cutting, and grinding work.
Electrical risks: Electrical equipment in the repair process can pose a risk of electric shock or danger from cracks and breakdowns in the electrical system.
Risk of hazardous substances: Contact with hazardous substances from machinery and chemicals used in maintenance and repair can cause serious health problems.
Risk of entrapment: In case of a serious machine jam or breakdown, miners may be entrapped, threatening their lives and health.

3. Causes of occupational accidents during equipment maintenance and repair

Lack of training and skills: A lack of the necessary training and skills for maintenance and repair work can lead to unsafe and unprofessional behavior, increasing the risk of accidents.
Use of unsafe equipment: The use of improper or unsafe equipment can cause accidents, including the use of unsuitable tools or broken machinery.
Non-compliance with safety procedures: The failure to follow safety procedures when performing maintenance and repair work can create unwanted risks, including not cutting off the power, not using full personal protective equipment, or not thoroughly checking before performing work.
Time and work pressure: Time and work pressure can make miners feel the need to complete work quickly, leading to a failure to take safety measures and to work carelessly.
Errors and lack of control: Errors in the process of performing maintenance and repair work, along with a lack of control and supervision from management, can lead to dangerous situations and accidents.

4. Measures to prevent occupational accidents during equipment maintenance and repair

Training and education

Use of personal protective equipment (PPE)

Compliance with safety procedures

Supervision and regular inspection

Implementation of safety standards and regulations

occupational safety card

5. Occupational safety regulations during equipment maintenance and repair

Perform regular inspection and maintenance

Use of correct tools and equipment

Ensure a safe workspace

Provide guidance and supervision

Report and record

6. Handling emergency occupational accident situations during equipment maintenance and repair

Call for an ambulance immediately

Immediate response and safe movement

Protect the accident scene