Accidents in mining and quarry sites : rate of occurrences and causes

This study examines the rate of occurrence of accidents and their causes in mining and quarry sites in
East Coast Malaysia. There are two methods that were used in this study. The secondary data technique
was used by gathering all accident reports from Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) in
East Coast Malaysia, and Social Security Organization (SOCSO), Malaysia. The data was used to identify
the causes, while the method to identify the rate of accident occurrences is questionnaires. Descriptive
tools of statistics such as frequency, percentage and mean were used for the analysis. The study reveals
that accidents occur at a low rate at the mining and quarry sites in Malaysia. Different causes of accident
were identified such as flying objects or debris, untidy sites, failure of vehicles, pinched while performing
work, slip and trip at work areas, faulty equipment and machinery, negligence of workers or operator’s
errors, work at sharp edges, and fall from height. This study therefore recommends that relevant control
measures should be devised in order to reduce the rate of accident.