Assessment and Analysis of Occupational Risks in Underground Mining of Polymetallic Ores

Abstract

The desire of an industrial facility to successfully and stably develop economically confronts it with the problems of the apparatus being formed and its activities. The concept of occupational risk analysis in occupational safety practice is a scientific and methodological approach to risk management. This study aims to assess the degree of occupational risk for miners engaged in underground mining of polymetallic ore, considering the class of harmfulness of work. The analysis involves selecting risk factors that require attention and conducting both qualitative and quantitative approaches to identify and evaluate potential consequences and select appropriate measures to mitigate risks. The study determines the replaceable noise loads using mathematical calculations and characterizes the vibration load by an equivalent value or dose. The results of the hygienic assessment of the working conditions at the Orken-Atasu underground mine showed that the work activities of miners take place under conditions of exposure to intense noise and general and local vibration exceeding the MPL. Drillers, fixers, and machinists of drilling units experienced the highest vibration loads. The total dose of the daily vibration load varied from 1197.6-3855.6 Pa 2 • h, exceeding the permissible levels for a relative dose from 1.3 to 8 times. The study highlights the importance of a scientific and methodological approach to risk management in the mining industry.