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Mining Publication: Economics of Safety at Surface Mine Spoil Piles

Original creation date: July 2000

Image of publication Economics of Safety at Surface Mine Spoil Piles

This study was done to evaluate the costs of various dumping operations at waste and spoil piles. It has been theorized that accidents associated with dumping operations might be reduced by short-dumping rather than edge-dumping, but many operators have been reluctant to use short-dumping because they believe it is not as cost effective as edge-dumping. To evaluate this perception, researchers at the Spokane Research Laboratory of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health reviewed the costs of various dumping methods at waste and spoil piles. The study found that overall cost differences between the two methods were not significant in most cases. However, while overall cost differences between the two methods appear small, capital costs could be more significant when short-dumping if numerous dump sites are used concurrently. The choice of which method to use should be based on considerations of the safety of dozer and truck operators.

Authors: TW Camm

Report of Investigations - July 2000

NIOSHTIC2 Number: 20000675

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2000-129, Report of Investigations 9653, 2000 Jul :1-14


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