Analysis of near-miss incidents (NMI) reporting in mining operations

Abstract

Purpose. In safety management, near-miss incident (NMI) reporting has been recognised as an essential practice in the prevention of mining accidents. This research aims to investigate near-miss incidents in Kosovo mining operations based on previous researches and in-situ surveys. Methods. For this purpose, both qualitative and quantitative methods were used as an observation tool, with 115 questionnaires randomly assigned among the employees at mining companies. To analyse collected data, the Excel Spread-Sheet and SPSS software were used. The survey was conducted to get basic information on the number of near-miss incidents, how they occurred and were brought to the light, as well as to reveal their similarity with mining accidents that happened during mining operations in Kosovo. Findings. The research brings to the light that mining activities related to production are the most predominant sources of near-miss incidents. From the qualitative observation approach in different mining companies, it has been found that the majority of mines do not report even in an informal way about near-miss incidents that the employees experience. Originality. The legislative framework of Kosovo does not require a formal reporting on near-miss incidents. Therefore, the present research aims not only to develop proper legislation, but also to comprehensively study the main factors causing near-miss incidents in order to improve mining safety. Increasing the transparency of data on near-miss incidents and their publication should facilitate research work related to improving the safety of mining operations, in other words, the prevention of mining accidents. Practical implications. Apart from the literature review and questionnaire survey conducted in two underground hard rock mines and one surface coal mine, owned and operated by Kosovo authorities, this research attempts to examine sources, influencing factors associated with near-miss incidents, as well as to analyse the best practices of NMI reporting in order to enhance mining safety management in mining sector.