Metal Mining - Safety Practices at the Crestmore Mine of the Riverside Cement Company

In order to secure good results in the prevention of accidents, it is generally recognized that the desire for such accomplishment, as well as the aggressive and constructive action to achieve it, must emanate from the Top Management and permeate successively down through the "Chart of Authority" to the workmen. Several years ago, with the above as a basis and with full support of the Top Management, the Mining Department started a program of selling the foremen and bosses the idea that safety could be achieved and that it was desired and required. Using psychology, persistence and numerous other methods, the foremen and bosses were finally impressed with the idea that "It can be done" and "It will be done." With this in mind, new ideas were brought forth by the foremen and bosses regarding the caving operation and the specific jobs in the operation. These new ideas were taken up in round-table discussions and resulted in certain changes in the undercutting method and the actual drawing of the blocks. These changes resulted in increasing fragmentation of the blocks which prevented the usual hang-up areas in the blocks. With the rock smaller in size and within reasonable reach from the tapping drifts, accidents were prevented in the tapping section. At the same time, an enforced campaign of housekeeping throughout the mine was undertaken with very beneficial results. The foremen and bosses then, in turn, educated and trained the workers themselves to become safety conscious. In so doing, a constant reminder was given on all jobs assigned that the job was to be done safely as well as efficiently. No man is assigned a job who is not qualified for the type of work required. Efficiency and safety go hand in hand. Safety Rules To supplement and aid this safety conscious attitude, certain safety rules applicable to our operation, a modified block caving system of mining limestone, in addition to the established state regulations, were put into effect and enforced. The specific rules referred to above and which will be mentioned below are in most cases simply a means of applying and complying with the very adequate "Mine Safety Orders" issued by the Industrial Accident Commission of the State of California. Some of the safety rules and policies are as follows: All men are required to wear safety