Risks in rock and mining work

Rock and mining operations pose a range of occupational health and safety risks. The work often takes place in hazardous environments and involves exposure to falling rocks, heavy vehicles, machinery, hazardous chemicals and explosives.

Immediate and long-term work environment risks

Rock and mining work presents risks that can have both immediate and long-term health consequences. Even hazards typically associated with chronic illness – such as rock dust or gas – can become acute threats when exposure levels spike unexpectedly.

Common work-related injuries in this sector include musculoskeletal strain – particularly to the back and neck, hearing loss, and miner's lung caused by quartz dust. While most workplace injuries are minor – such as cuts, sprains and strains – more serious incidents often involve falling rock or blasting accidents.

Immediate risks

Employees may face acute dangers, whether working underground or on the surface. These include:

  • falling rocks or boulders
  • rolling or bouncing debris
  • premature collapse of spray concrete before it sets
  • ignition of unexploded charges during drilling or loading
  • fire and smoke inhalation
  • blasting related accidents
  • collisions with machinery or vehicles
  • exposure to hazardous substances and toxic gases.

Long-term risks

Chronic exposure in rock and mining environments can lead to long-term health problems. These risks include:

  • inhalation of rock dust containing quartz or asbestos
  • exposure to ionising radiation, especially radon
  • airborne pollution
  • excessive noise and continuous vibration
  • ergonomic hazards due to confined spaces, repetitive heavy lifting or awkward postures.

The risks are different depending on whether the work is done underground or above ground

Underground rock work

Risks underground vary depending on the specific layout of the site and how work is structured. Typical hazards include:

  • rock falls or collapses
  • entrapment
  • oxygen deficiency
  • poor air quality
  • unexpected movements from machinery
  • fire and the spread of smoke
  • injury due to low visibility and darkness.

Working underground often complicates evacuation procedures, especially when darkness, dust or toxic gas impairs visibility and breathing.

Above-ground rock work

Working on the surface presents a different set of risks, including:

  • falls from height, uneven ground, or unprotected edges
  • injuries from flying debris during blasting or unexploded charges
  • inhalation of harmful dust
  • exposure to sudden and severe weather changes – heat, cold, fog, high winds, or snow – which can reduce visibility, accessibility and working capacity
  • accidents involving vehicles or machinery, often caused by poor access routes or icy surfaces.

Risks from work equipment and the surrounding environment

Work equipment and the surrounding environment in rock and mining operations present several common hazards. Below are key examples of these risks.

  • Employees operating rock drilling rigs or other mechanical equipment face multiple risks, including:

    • being crushed by the drilling rig
    • being caught in rotating components, such as the drill shaft or bit
    • injuries from heavy manual handling or sustained awkward postures
    • exposure to high levels of noise and vibration (both hand-arm and whole-body)
    • inhalation of dust containing quartz or asbestos
    • contact with high-pressure hydraulic fluids or injuries from hose ruptures
    • accidents caused by unexpected movement of machinery.

  • Rock and mining environments typically involve the use of large-scale machinery which generates:

    • excessive noise
    • vibrations
    • dust from rock
    • chemical exposure, particularly from exhaust fumes.

    In such settings, workers face a constant risk of being stuck by or crushed under machinery and equipment.

  • On mining and rock work sites, roads are usually constructed from raw rock materials. The heavy vehicles and machinery operating on these roads contribute to rapid surface degradation, generating:

    • high levels of dust, which impairs visibility
    • intense vibrations, causing discomfort and long-term effects

    In addition, blasting operations conducted near roadways can pose significant risks due to proximity to general road traffic.

    Read about how to prevent and mitigate these hazards effectively:

    Prevent and manage risks in rock and mining work

Further information on work environment hazards

Explore more about specific health and safety risks associated with rock and mining operations:

Last updated 2026-01-19