What is the purpose of railings, barriers, or covers around openings near travel ways?

• A. To prevent falls from openings
• B. To decorate the area
• C. To reduce noise
• D. To increase lighting

Answer: (A)

The main idea is to prevent people from falling into a hole or opening near where workers travel. Railings, barriers, and covers create a physical boundary that stops someone from stepping into an opening or from a loose object slipping into it, which could lead to a serious injury. In mining settings, openings along travel ways pose a real fall hazard, so a guard that includes a top rail (and sometimes a mid-rail and toe board) keeps workers safe as they move through those areas. Decorations, noise control, or simply brighter lighting won’t stop a person from falling into an opening, so they aren’t the purpose of these safety features.