Understanding Human Error in Mine Safety

The consideration of human factors issues is vital to the mining industry. As in other safety-critical domains, human performance problems constitute a significant threat to system safety, making the study of human factors an important field for improving safety in mining operations. The primary purpose of this book is to provide the reader with a much-needed overview of human factors within the mining industry, in particular to understand the role of human error in mine safety, explaining contemporary risk management and safety systems approaches. The approach taken is multidisciplinary and holistic, based on a model of the systems of work in the mining industry domain. The ingredients in this model include individual operators, groups/teams, technology/equipment, work organisation and the physical environment. Throughout the book, topics such as human error and safety management are covered through the use of real examples and case studies, allowing the reader to see the practical significance of the material presented while making the text rigorous, useful and enjoyable. Understanding Human Error in Mine Safety is written for professionals in the field, researchers and students of mining engineering, safety or human factors.

Geoff Simpson has been involved in Health and Safety research and consultancy for more than 35 years, including more than 20 years in mining. During this time his roles have included Head of Ergonomics at the Institute of Occupational Medicine, Manager of Ergonomics and Safety Management at British Coal, Head of Safety Management at International Mining Consultants Ltd, and Lecturer at the University of Nottingham. Geoff has published more than 80 papers on human factors and has been a member of national and international committees including the European Coal and Steel Community committee of experts on ergonomics. Tim Horberry is Associate Professor of Human Factors at the Minerals Industry Safety and Health Centre (MISHC), University of Queensland, Australia. Before that he was head of human factors in the transportation division at the UKa€?s Transport Research Laboratory. Dr Horberry has published his work widely, including two books: a€?the human factors of transport signsa€? (2004) and a€?human factors in the maritime domaina€? (2008). Tim has undertaken many applied human factors research projects in Australia, the UK and Europe for organizations such as the European Union, Australian Coal Association Research Program and the UK Department for Transport. Jim Joy is Professor of Mining Safety and director of MISHC. Jim has written many papers and delivers industry seminars on Human factors in the Mining Industry, including a manual on workplace risk assessment called "WRAC". He has been extensively involved in underground and surface mining in the coal and metal mining industry for 15 years. Jim has facilitated risk assessments and major accident investigations, as well as aiding in development of risk management systems. He has extensive overseas experience as a leader in international mining OH&S and overall risk management. Jim has worked on major projects for companies or agencies in the U.S.A., Indonesia, China, South Africa, U.K., Canada and New Zealand.