Identification and assessment of human errors in blasting operations in Iron Ore Mine using SHERA technique

Human errors play a significant role in accident. One of the important operations in mines which were susceptible to human error, is blasting operations. The aim of this study is identification and assessment of human errors in blasting operations in iron ore mine. Current Study is a qualitative research study in order to identify and assessment human error in a mine blasting operations. With direct observation of activities and documents, sub tasks were selected and analyzed by hierarchical analysis Job (HTA). The results were presented in the form of HTA charts. Types of possible human errors were detected and by using the SHERPA technique were surveyed. Appropriate prevention solutions were then proposed for reducing the risk of errors. The results showed, from total of 42 identified errors, predicted the unacceptable risks are 0.11, adverse risks are 0.42, acceptable risks with revision are 0.4 and accepted without revision are 0.04. Moreover, percentage types of human errors were included practical errors (0.55) and recovery errors (0.14), checking error (0.21), selection errors (0.6) and communication errors (0.016). The highest percentage of errors is practical and the lowest percentage of errors is of communication error. To reduce the occurrence of any identified error and limiting the consequences of their, appropriate control measures in the design of checklist, the use of appropriate personal protective equipment, the use of systems Tag Out- Lock Out, efficient education laws and guidelines are effective.