The mining and quarrying sector ranks as the third most hazardous occupation globally, with 21% of workers reporting injuries in the past two years, according to the latest Lloyd’s Register Foundation World Risk Poll. Despite advancements in safety measures, significant gaps in occupational safety training remain, the report reveals.
Key findings reveal that mining and quarrying have a harm rate of 21%, ranking just behind fishing (24%) and construction (22%), which exceeds the global average of 18%. Despite 48% of workers in the sector receiving occupational safety and health (OSH) training, above the global average of 30%, a significant 43% report having no training at all, highlighting a critical gap in safety preparedness.The poll, conducted across 142 countries with over 147,000 respondents, underscores both the inherent risks of mining and the uneven implementation of safety practices.
Mark O’Brien, Chair of the Global Mining Guidelines Group, emphasized the critical role of safety in an expanding industry essential to the global energy transition. “Safety must remain a non-negotiable priority. Collaboration and knowledge-sharing across the industry are vital to ensuring that every worker returns home safely,” he said.
Tim Slingsby, Director of Skills and Education at Lloyd’s Register Foundation, echoed these sentiments, urging broader implementation of regular training and harm-reporting systems to improve safety outcomes.
The findings are part of the 2024 report, Engineering Safer Workplaces: Global Trends in Occupational Safety and Health. The World Risk Poll, conducted biennially, is the first global study on risks to personal safety, offering insights where official data is often lacking. This year’s report also addresses emerging challenges such as severe weather resilience and waste management, alongside workplace safety.
The Global Mining Guidelines Group (GMG), a coalition of industry stakeholders, continues to push for innovative solutions to enhance safety and efficiency in mining. From AI-driven systems to advanced training programs, GMG’s initiatives aim to create a more sustainable and secure future for the sector.
Lloyd’s Register Foundation is a global safety charity dedicated to using evidence-based research, like the World Risk Poll, to address pressing safety challenges worldwide. As mining and quarrying remain essential to global industries, the call to prioritize worker safety and reduce risks has never been more critical.
