Why General Checklists Create a False Sense of Safety in Mining

General area checklists might feel like compliance — but they rarely deliver clarity or control.
In open-cut mining, where hazard visibility is critical, ticking a box for an entire dig block can give you the illusion of safety while missing the details that truly matter.

The Problem with Generalised Hazard Reporting

A typical checklist might include something like:

“Hazard XYZ fresh ravelling in Block X”

At face value, that sounds like risk is being managed. But this kind of summary lacks crucial context:

  • Where exactly is the raveling?
  • How far from the bund line or active work area?
  • Has it been photographed or rated for severity?
  • What controls have been applied or escalated?

Now multiply that uncertainty across a 2km long highwall, and the risk compounds fast. Saying “cling-on identified” somewhere along that wall? It’s not just vague — it’s dangerous.

The Case for Mapped Hazards

At HazView, we take a different approach. Our system logs hazards by exact location, supported by:

  • 📍 GPS-coordinates or mapped zones
  • 📸 Field photos and media
  • 🛠️ Applied controls
  • 📊 Custom severity ratings and escalation triggers (like TARPs)

That means when something’s wrong, you don’t just get a vague line in a spreadsheet — you get a visual target that drives action.

Why It Matters

Hazard visibility isn’t just about compliance — it’s about stopping incidents before they happen. A checklist gives you a “clear” box. A mapped hazard gives you a reason to stop and intervene.

When safety depends on precision, “Block X” isn’t good enough.
HazView helps you shift from guesswork to ground truth.