Study of the harmful factors influence on the occupational risk level: the example of the Ukrainian mining industry

Abstract

Purpose: The choice of preventive measures and labour protection equipment should be justified taking into account the occupational risk. For objective reasons, existing approaches do not provide an opportunity to justify the choice of the necessary measures, which best reduce the occupational risk level. Consequently, an effective methodological approach to justify preventive measures is required, since the level of risk in mining enterprises is still high, especially in developing countries and countries with weak economies. The current research is devoted to solving this urgent scientific problem. Design/methodology/approach: Construction of mathematical models based on accumulated statistical data on the values of production factors using polynomial regression, which is justified by the simplicity of computational algorithms and the clarity of the results obtained. Findings: On the example of the Ukrainian mining industry, it was found that to reduce occupational risk; the most effective is to change the operating mode of the equipment and rational planning of working hours, but not measures to reduce the dust concentration. Research limitations/implications: The study is focused on the mining industry; a methodological approach and a mathematical model are proposed for specific working conditions at Ukrainian mining industry. Practical implications: The proposed approach makes it possible, based on statistical data, to quickly and reliably select the most effective measures to reduce the industrial risk level. Originality/value: A feature of the proposed approach to reducing industrial risk is a comprehensive accounting of data on factors affecting occupational risk, the construction of mathematical models and the use of modelling results when planning measures to improve working conditions.