Training Expectations for Safe Mining

Training in the field of mining saves lives everyday. In an industry where workers give of themselves in such a dangerous way it is imperative. Training is an ongoing factor for the job and covers various areas the minors work in.

These are areas minors can expect to be trained for:

• New minors or contractors with a limited time working in mines will be expected to begin with induction training. This provides the worker with an on hands introduction to the job in a safer way. It will offer the  ability to learn the rules and regulations, managing risk in the work situation, tagging and the knowledge of  how to deal with permits and defect reports. Some courses take two days and are repeated after two years on the job. The new minors are also assessed as they are participating in the new situations introduced to  them during the course of training.

• Minors are responsible for confined space training. OSHA has kits for teaching minors the knowledge of the correct ways to enter confined spaces while working in mines. It also teaches how to assess the risk in each situation and how to leave the confined space in the right way. The course is usually taken as a one day, or an 8 hour training class. Minors will learn the aspect of gas test atmosphere competency as part of the  course.The minor will have a better understanding of the risks, the equipment he uses and the clothing  essential for performing his work in a confined area safely.

• Minors will be expected to train in other areas such as CPR, fire extinguisher training and rescue training.  Power haulage and night training are also important for an up to date worker in the mines. Safe use of machinery and equipment in various situations gives workers more control in their area of work. Being prepared in all situations has become an understood essential in this job. 

• Training for handling mine projects is also available. This type of training involves learning how to coordinate a mining project and follow through with success

In general mining training is:

• Saving lives. Minors are more aware of their surroundings and equipped to handle situations as they arise Many training classes are conducted on site or with simulators. Dealing with situations in this manner is more realistic and gives the workers a taste of the realities they will encounter in each situation.

Job training continues throughout the course of the career. Because it is easy to take things for granted when doing the same job everyday it is important that workers refresh and sharpen their abilities to recognize danger potentials and look at each day with new eyes.