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Title: Understanding the mining safety research field: exploring safety measures and programs in international research

Authors: Erik Sundström; Magnus Nygren

Addresses: Department of Social Sciences, Technology and Arts, Luleå University of Technology, Universitetsområdet, Porsön, Luleå, 97187, Sweden ' Department of Social Sciences, Technology and Arts, Luleå University of Technology, Universitetsområdet, Porsön, Luleå, 97187, Sweden

Abstract: Due to the risks inherent to mining workplaces, a variety of methods for improving safety have been explored in the mining industry research field. This article aims to provide an overview on the safety measures studied in this field to determine the subjects in focus and to identify potential gaps in the research field. 54 research articles focusing on safety measures in the international mining industry were reviewed through thematic analysis. Ten themes for safety measures were identified in the mining industry research field, with safety culture development and safe behaviours being the most common. With the scope of the research field and its gaps presented, the article discusses the implications of the rarity and commonness of certain themes and gives recommendations for future research. This includes recommending the exploration of different safety perspectives, socio-technical theory and neo-institutionalism.

Keywords: mining; safety research; safety measures; international research; safety management; literature review; safety culture; organisational safety.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMME.2023.137309

International Journal of Mining and Mineral Engineering, 2023 Vol.14 No.3, pp.315 - 340

Accepted: 04 Dec 2023
Published online: 11 Mar 2024 *