New mines and quarries are being established everywhere on the African continent. In order to prevent unnecessary injury and loss of life on these new mines the Aggregate and Sand Producers Association of Southern Africa has advised mine bosses to look at the Top 10 hazards on mines worldwide and put measures in place to mitigate these risks.

Speaking at the Electra Mining West Africa 2014 Aspasa director, Nico Pienaar, outlined the main safety concerns on modern mines and highlighted some causes that can be prevented.

The Top 10 include:

1.  Behaviour problems
People are often the problem and can be affected through fatigue, drugs alcohol and work hours
2. Poor communication
Bad or lack of communication can lead to misunderstandings
3. Vehicle accidents (Trackless Mobile Equipment)
Dangers around vehicles are not properly considered
4.Explosives
Transport/storage and usage need to follow set procedures
5.Electricity
Is potentially an instant killer if there is no Isolation.  One mistake can cause death.
6.Working at heights
Safety rules or procedures need to be followed at all times.
7.Confined Spaces
Procedures need to be in place to manage work in confined spaces under ground and on opencast mines 
8.Fire
Potential for fires from electrical, chemical and flammable gas causes need to be identified
9.Lifting and falling objects
Problems occur when heavy items are not lifted correctly, are not secured and fall onto workers
10.Fall of ground
Is a constant danger underground, as well as on quarries where slopes and unstable ground may give-way underfoot.

Pienaar said that it is important to identify individual risks relating to each mine and to put in place appropriate health and safety policies to address them.  It then becomes the responsibility of mine owners and safety officers on the mine to ensure that everyone (workers and visitors) abide with these policies.
“Aspasa has developed its own health and safety system that is based on global best practices and adapted to African conditions. Mines throughout Africa can make use of the system and we strongly urge those without effective systems to get in contact with us to see how we can assist.
Aspasa, Nico Pienaar, Tel: (011) 791 3327, Fax: 086 647 8034, Email: nico@aspasa.co.za, Web: www.aspasa.co.za