Analysis of working conditions and application of the occupational risk control hierarchy method to the workplace of a wastewater treatment operator at a coal mining operation

L.A. Ivanova, P.P. Ivanov, E.S. Mikhailova, T.A. Utrobina
Kemerovo State University, Kemerovo, Russian Federation
Russian Mining Industry №2/ 2026 p. 176-183

Abstract: This article focuses on a comprehensive assessment of the working conditions of a wastewater treatment operator at a coal mining operation with the aim of identifying occupational risks and developing measures to eliminate them. We look at the physical, chemical, biological, and psychophysiological factors that affect the operator’s health and safety. It is suggested to use a hierarchy of occupational risk control measures, including elimination and substitution of hazard sources, implementation of engineering solutions, administrative controls, and personal protective equipment. Specific recommendations are provided for upgrading the production process, selection of less toxic reactive agents, and installation of soundproofing equipment. The approaches presented in the article will significantly reduce occupational risks, ensure comfortable and safe working environment, enhance productivity, and reduce economic losses of the company due to occupational injuries and diseases. The article is intended for occupational safety specialists, enterprise managers, and process engineers involved in the design and implementation of safe manufacturing processes.

Keywords: wastewater treatment operator, wastewater, occupational safety, working conditions, occupational risks, technosphere safety, coal industry

Acknowledgements: The research was carried out as part of the ‘Development and implementation of complex technologies in the areas of exploration and extraction of minerals, industrial safety, bioremediation, creation of new deep conversion products from coal raw materials while consistently reducing the environmental impact and risks to human life’ Integrated Scientific and Technical Programme of the Full Innovation Cycle, approved by Order No. 1144р of the Government of the Russian Federation dated May 11, 2022, with financial support by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of Russian Federation, Agreement No. 075-15–2022-1201 as of September 30, 2022.

For citation: Ivanova L.A., Ivanov P.P., Mikhailova E.S., Utrobina T.A. Analysis of working conditions and application of the occupational risk control hierarchy method to the workplace of a wastewater treatment operator at a coal mining operation. Russian Mining Industry. 2026;(2):176–183. https://doi.org/10.30686/1609-9192-2026-2-176-183

Information about the article

Received: 08.01.2026

Submitted after peer review: 16.02.2026

Accepted for publication: 24.02.2026

Information about the authors

Lyudmila A. Ivanova – Cand. Sci. (Eng.), Associate Professor, Department of Technosphere Safety, Kemerovo State University, Kemerovo, Russian Federation; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4103-8780; e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Pavel P. Ivanov – Cand. Sci. (Eng.), Associate Professor, Department of Mechatronics and Automation of Technological Systems, Kemerovo State University, Kemerovo, Russian Federation; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8086-3273; e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Ekaterina S. Mikhailova – Cand. Sci. (Chem.), Director of the Institute of Nano-, Bio-, Information, Cognitive and Socio-Humanitarian Technologies, Associate Professor, Department of Technosphere Safety, Kemerovo State University, Kemerovo, Russian Federation; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0673-0747; e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Tamara A. Utrobina – Cand. Sci. (Eng.), Associate Professor, Department of Technosphere Safety, Kemerovo State University, Kemerovo, Russian Federation; https://orcid.org/0009-0001-4883-0340; e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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