1
24-012
Best Practices for Ensuring Safety in Field Studies:
A Comprehensive Guide for Mining Researchers and Operators
Matthew McElhinney
CDC NIOSH, Pittsburgh, PA
Todd Minoski
CDC NIOSH, Pittsburgh, PA
Craig Compton
CDC NIOSH, Pittsburgh, PA
Morgan Sears
CDC NIOSH, Pittsburgh, PA
ABSTRACT
In an effort to advance the science underlying ground con-
trol engineering, researchers with the National Institute for
Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) are frequently
involved in field studies at collaborating mines. Often,
these field studies involve visiting the mine site, instru-
mentation installation, and data acquisition. Each of these
aspects involve potential risks to NIOSH employees. As an
organization whose mission it is to promote the health and
safety of mine workers, the health and safety of our work-
force is paramount.
This paper provides documentation of the best practices
followed by NIOSH employees who are tasked with visiting
and conducting work at underground and surface mines.
This includes Mine Safety and Health Administration
(MSHA) approved training, mine site specific training,
and hazards associated with all aspects of mining that could
be encountered by the employee. Additionally, this paper
details best practices associated specifically with instrumen-
tation installation including the mitigation of hazards asso-
ciated with the proper equipment handling, drilling, and
the mine environment.
The information showcased in this paper can be used as
considerations for industry practitioners such as mine oper-
ators, consultants, and academic researchers engaged in the
installation of instrumentation in the field. Furthermore,
the best practices detailed in this paper can be used as a
foundation for agreements made between mine operators
and researchers to ensure safety procedures will be followed
while on mine property. This will result in enhanced safety
of both researchers involved in field studies as well as mine
employees tasked with assisting and accompanying those
researchers.
INTRODUCTION
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
(NIOSH) is at the forefront of advancing the science of
ground control engineering, often requiring its researchers
to conduct field studies at collaborating mines. These stud-
ies, while essential, expose NIOSH employees to potential
risks inherent in the mining environment. As NIOSH is
an organization dedicated to the health and safety of mine
workers, ensuring the well-being of its own workforce is of
utmost importance.
This paper presents the best practices adopted by
NIOSH employees during their visits and work at under-
ground mines. From training to addressing specific hazards
related to instrumentation installation, this paper provides
a comprehensive guide to safe operations.
The insights presented in this paper are not just lim-
ited to NIOSH operations. They serve as valuable consid-
erations for industry partners, including mine operators,
consultants, and academic researchers. By highlighting the
importance of collaboration between mine operators and
researchers, the paper underscores the collective responsi-
bility of ensuring a safe working environment.
TRAINING
Prior to identifying the hazards that researchers and opera-
tors need to recognize and identify while conducting field
studies, it is important to start with the discussion of train-
ing. Training is the starting point for all underground
worker safety, as it provides crucial information for new and
experienced personnel working underground to stay safe.
Before any field studies can be completed, researchers
and operators should complete training and refreshers to
stay up to date on important safety guidelines and material.
24-012
Best Practices for Ensuring Safety in Field Studies:
A Comprehensive Guide for Mining Researchers and Operators
Matthew McElhinney
CDC NIOSH, Pittsburgh, PA
Todd Minoski
CDC NIOSH, Pittsburgh, PA
Craig Compton
CDC NIOSH, Pittsburgh, PA
Morgan Sears
CDC NIOSH, Pittsburgh, PA
ABSTRACT
In an effort to advance the science underlying ground con-
trol engineering, researchers with the National Institute for
Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) are frequently
involved in field studies at collaborating mines. Often,
these field studies involve visiting the mine site, instru-
mentation installation, and data acquisition. Each of these
aspects involve potential risks to NIOSH employees. As an
organization whose mission it is to promote the health and
safety of mine workers, the health and safety of our work-
force is paramount.
This paper provides documentation of the best practices
followed by NIOSH employees who are tasked with visiting
and conducting work at underground and surface mines.
This includes Mine Safety and Health Administration
(MSHA) approved training, mine site specific training,
and hazards associated with all aspects of mining that could
be encountered by the employee. Additionally, this paper
details best practices associated specifically with instrumen-
tation installation including the mitigation of hazards asso-
ciated with the proper equipment handling, drilling, and
the mine environment.
The information showcased in this paper can be used as
considerations for industry practitioners such as mine oper-
ators, consultants, and academic researchers engaged in the
installation of instrumentation in the field. Furthermore,
the best practices detailed in this paper can be used as a
foundation for agreements made between mine operators
and researchers to ensure safety procedures will be followed
while on mine property. This will result in enhanced safety
of both researchers involved in field studies as well as mine
employees tasked with assisting and accompanying those
researchers.
INTRODUCTION
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
(NIOSH) is at the forefront of advancing the science of
ground control engineering, often requiring its researchers
to conduct field studies at collaborating mines. These stud-
ies, while essential, expose NIOSH employees to potential
risks inherent in the mining environment. As NIOSH is
an organization dedicated to the health and safety of mine
workers, ensuring the well-being of its own workforce is of
utmost importance.
This paper presents the best practices adopted by
NIOSH employees during their visits and work at under-
ground mines. From training to addressing specific hazards
related to instrumentation installation, this paper provides
a comprehensive guide to safe operations.
The insights presented in this paper are not just lim-
ited to NIOSH operations. They serve as valuable consid-
erations for industry partners, including mine operators,
consultants, and academic researchers. By highlighting the
importance of collaboration between mine operators and
researchers, the paper underscores the collective responsi-
bility of ensuring a safe working environment.
TRAINING
Prior to identifying the hazards that researchers and opera-
tors need to recognize and identify while conducting field
studies, it is important to start with the discussion of train-
ing. Training is the starting point for all underground
worker safety, as it provides crucial information for new and
experienced personnel working underground to stay safe.
Before any field studies can be completed, researchers
and operators should complete training and refreshers to
stay up to date on important safety guidelines and material.