Enhancing Safety in the Mining Sector with Technology

Highlights:

• Digitalisation and AI are reshaping safety protocols in the mining industry.

• Psychosocial risks have emerged as a concern due to reduced interpersonal interaction.

• Recent developments highlight the importance of psychosocial safety in workplaces.

The mining industry has long faced challenges related to worker safety, and innovative technologies are increasingly being integrated to address these concerns. With the advent of artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT), safety measures are evolving, aiming to reduce physical risks and improve working conditions. As the industry embraces digitalisation, these tools are playing an increasingly significant role in safeguarding workers.

World Day for Safety and Health at Work

World Day for Safety and Health at Work, observed annually on April twenty-eighth, serves as a global reminder of the importance of workplace safety. The campaign, initiated by the International Labour Organization in two thousand and three, promotes the idea of proactive risk prevention and health awareness across various industries. This year, the focus is on the impact of digitalisation and AI on workers' health and safety.

New Challenges with Digitalisation and AI

While the integration of AI and digital tools in mining has led to advancements in reducing physical hazards, new concerns are emerging, particularly around psychosocial risks. Work Safe Australia has highlighted that the increasing presence of digital technologies in the workplace can help lower physical dangers but may inadvertently introduce new psychosocial challenges. These include issues such as stress, isolation, and intensified workloads.

Psychosocial risks refer to the combination of psychological factors and the work environment that influence a worker's mental and physical health. These risks cover a wide range of issues, such as harassment, bullying, excessive work pressure, workplace violence, and the promotion of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). The shift towards digitalisation may contribute to less face-to-face interaction, which could foster a sense of isolation among workers, making it harder to manage emotional well-being in the workplace.

The Impact of Psychosocial Hazards

Psychosocial hazards have gained significant attention due to their impact on mental health. In light of these developments, there has been increasing awareness surrounding workplace practices that promote psychological safety. DEI initiatives have been in the spotlight recently, especially following actions such as the executive order signed by US President Donald Trump, which aimed to roll back certain DEI efforts. This has contributed to a heightened sense of unease among workers, especially in industries like mining, where high-risk situations are more frequent.

Susan Fleming, Managing Director of Acting Consulting Training (ACT) Australia, expressed concern over these external factors affecting workplace dynamics. “While external factors do influence the work environment, it is crucial for workplaces to remain committed to creating a psychosocially safe environment,” she stated. ACT Australia works with organisations to promote safer work environments through storytelling, theatre, and film performances, focusing on real-life incidents and high-risk scenarios faced by workers.

The Importance of Psychosocial Safety Programs

A troubling development within the mining sector has recently come to light, as a mining company made the decision to make the head of its psychosocial safety program redundant. This decision has raised concerns about the ongoing commitment to mental health and well-being in the workplace. Many industry leaders stress the importance of maintaining strong psychosocial safety programs to protect workers’ mental health, especially in high-risk industries such as mining.

The push for better safety protocols in the mining sector is not limited to physical hazards. As the industry continues to evolve, addressing the psychosocial risks associated with digitalisation and AI is becoming a top priority. Ensuring a balanced focus on both physical and mental well-being is essential to creating a safer and more supportive work environment for all employees.