Concrete Projection in Mines - Associated Risks

This article analyzes the risks associated with the application of shotcrete in underground mining galleries, from the point of view of occupational health and safety. In this way, with the awareness of the risks in this activity and in this environment, it is possible to improve and even optimize the behavior of workers to avoid possible accidents during its application. We can prioritize problems based on the GUT Matrix. It is possible to identify which of them require an immediate response and which can be dealt with later. To this end, a cross - sectional study was carried out using direct observation. The data collected were entered into the IBM SPSS 28.0.1.0 (IBM Corp., Chicago, IL, USA) software and subsequently a descriptive analysis was carried out to respond to the objectives of the study and obtain correlations between the verified factors. To achieve the objectives, bibliographical research was carried out on the topic and international regulations served as the basis for the study. After identifying the dangers and possible causes of accidents or risks, the factors that make up the simplified Risk Assessment methodology were quantified. This activity carries health risks, such as lung disease due to inhalation of silica contained in the cement. Therefore, the use of protective equipment, such as a hood with a supply of clean external air or masks that completely filter the smallest particles, as well as worker ’s rotation are of great importance. This work is original because there is not much literature about the use of this technique in works in underground galleries, with the thermal issue of the environment as the biggest limitation, in contrast to open - air works, where the use of this technique is more common .