Prioritizing the factors affecting the occupational health and safety of workers in the mining industry using the SWARA Technique

Ramaganesh Marimuthu; Bathrinath Sankaranarayanan; Koppiahraj Karuppiah

Authors

Ramaganesh Marimuthu Department of Mechanical Engineering, Kalasalingam Academy of Research and Education, Krishnankoil, Tamil Nadu, India-626126
Bathrinath Sankaranarayanan Department of Mechanical Engineering, Kalasalingam Academy of Research and Education, Krishnankoil, Tamil Nadu, India-626126
Koppiahraj Karuppiah Department of Mechanical Engineering, Saveetha School of Engineering, SIMATS, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 602105, India

Keywords:

mining industry, occupational health and safety, SWARA technique, workers’ safety in mining industry

Abstract

Despite providing employment opportunities for the semiskilled and economically marginalized people, the mining industries adversely impact the environment and the workers. The occurrence of occupational accidents and injuries is quite high in the mining industry than in other industries. The purpose of this study is to determine and assess the factors that impact workers' health and safety in Indian mining activities. The literature review and expert feedback resulted in the identification of fifteen key factors. These fifteen factors are evaluated in an actual mining field. In this research work, Step-wise Weight Assessment Ratio Analysis (SWARA) technique has been used to assess the worker's occupational health and safety (OHS) related problems. Musculoskeletal disorders, stress and fatigue, and dust inhalation or coal dust exposure are the top three critical factors causing problems to mine workers' health and safety according to the study's findings. Maximizing the automation in the working area, implementing Internet of Things (IoT) technologies, and incorporating predictive maintenance activities will provide in-depth knowledge to the managers in rectifying the health and safety problems identified. The findings of this research will benefit managers to establish more comprehensive and effective ways of responding to challenging situations. As the study is primarily focused on the Indian mining industries, a comparative study between two countries that have similar socio-economic conditions may help in generalizing the results.

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