About the Rock Safe – a course in rock mechanics and rock awareness in underground mines
- for everyone working in underground mines
- free of charge
- works on mobile phones, computers, and tablets
Rock Safe is a basic online course in rock mechanics and rock awareness for everyone working in an underground mine — both permanent employees and those who are only temporarily working underground. The course provides knowledge about how the rock mass is structured, how it reacts to mining and loading, and how to interpret the rock’s warning signs in order to work safely. Everyone working in a mining environment can benefit from the course.
The course covers how the rock mass behaves, how risks can arise, and how they can be prevented through correct working methods and increased risk awareness. You will learn how to recognise warning signs, understand cracking and deformation, and respond appropriately when something deviates from normal conditions.
The course combines films, texts, interviews, exercises, and reflection questions. The content is based on expert knowledge from the industry and the experiences of people working in Swedish mines. Rock Safe has been developed by Prevent in collaboration with Svemin, Industriarbetsgivarna, IF Metall, Sveriges Ingenjörer, Unionen and Ledarna. The course is also accompanied by a facilitator guide for those who wish to deliver the course in a group setting.
Purpose of the course
The course is intended, among other things, to provide knowledge about:
- rock mechanics — the structure of the rock mass and how it is affected by pressure, movement, and mining
- common methods and processes used in mining operations
- how to distinguish between normal and hazardous conditions in the rock mass
- rock awareness — how to recognise warning signs and assess risks
- how everyone can contribute to a safer underground workplace
Target group
Everyone who works in or visits an underground mine — regardless of experience or professional role. The course is suitable both for new staff and for employees who need to refresh or deepen their knowledge.
Scope
The course consists of several chapters and takes approximately 90 minutes to complete. To receive a course certificate, you must complete all sections and pass the knowledge test at the end. You can pause the course at any time and return to an earlier section to review the content.
