Investigation of machinery and equipment utilized in boron mining operations in the contex of occupational health and safety

Mining sector is developing continuously in parallel with technological developments in the world and our country. The machineries and equipment used in the mining sector are changing along with constantly developing technology. The risk of occupational accidents and occupational diseases is quite high due to risks that inherent in this sector, where the change in technology is directly reflected in production. Because of rapid technological developments in the mining sector, it is necessary to focus on occupational health and safety. This study was carried out in a mine operation which class is very dangerous. In this study, the machines and work equipments used in the selected workplace are evaluated in terms of the health and safety of the employees. L Type Matrix Risk Assessment method is used in this risk assessment. In this context, phases of open pit operation, crushing-screening and grinding and packaging are emphasized in the selected mining operation. Risks and measures to be taken due to the work equipment that is used in these phases are evaluated comprehensively. Risks that may arise due to the use of work equipment and the preventive measures have been determined in this study. Such studies will be useful in the development of occupational health and safety in the developing mining sector in our country and prevention of accidents that may occur. In addition, future studies will be carried out in different ways, the participation of employees in these studies and comparison of the risk assessments will be useful to relevant people in determining the occupational health and safety measures.