An Integrated Risk-Based Method for Assessment of Occupational Exposures in Surface Mining

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Publicado en:	Mining vol. 5, no. 4 (2025), p. 85-108
Autor principal:	Korshunov Gennadiy
Otros Autores:	Iliashenko Igor, Kovshov Stanislav
Publicado:	MDPI AG
Materias:	Dust Dermatitis Fuzzy sets Physicochemical properties Hearing loss Aerosols Occupational diseases Data processing Mining Risk assessment Overburden Geology Social responsibility Mining engineering Sustainable development Decision making Decision theory Respiratory diseases Working conditions Design Surveillance Risk management Coal mines Coal mining Health risks
Acceso en línea:	Citation/Abstract Full Text + Graphics Full Text - PDF
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Descripción
Resumen:	This article delineates the outcomes of a comprehensive analysis of occupational conditions in coal mining, focusing on dust exposure. A multifaceted model is proposed for the holistic evaluation of occupational environments, integrating risk assessment methodologies and decision-making frameworks within a risk-based paradigm. Risk assessment involved pairwise comparison, T. Saaty’s Analytic Hierarchy Process, a pessimistic decision-making approach, and fuzzy set membership functions. Correlations were established between respiratory disease risk among open pit coal mine workers and dust generation sources at the project design phase. The risk values were then validated using source attributes and particle physicochemical parameter analysis, including disperse composition and morphology. The risk assessment identified haul roads as a predominant factor in occupational disease pathogenesis, demonstrating a calculated risk level of R = 0.512. The dispersed analysis indicated the prevalence of PM1.0 and submicron particles (≤1 µm) with about 77% of the particle count, the mass distribution showed the respirable fraction (1–5 µm) comprising up to 50% of the total dust mass. Considering in situ monitoring data and particulate morphology analysis haul roads (R = 0.281) and the overburden face (R = 0.213) were delineated as primary targets for the implementation of enhanced health and safety interventions. While most critical at the design stage amidst data scarcity and exposure uncertainty, the approach permits subsequent refinement of occupational risks during operations through the incorporation of empirical monitoring data.
ISSN:	2673-6489
DOI:	10.3390/mining5040085
Fuente:	ABI/INFORM Trade & Industry