How should a Deputy handle changes to the mine plan that increase risk?

• A. Immediately suspend all operations until approval.
• B. Review risk assessment, update PTW and SOPs, brief workers, and obtain approval.
• C. Notify external agencies only.
• D. Increase production to offset risk.

Answer: (B)

When a change to the mine plan increases risk, the right course is to go through the change management steps: re-evaluate the risk, update the permit-to-work system and the standard operating procedures to reflect the new controls, brief everyone affected on the new risks and procedures, and obtain the necessary approval before continuing. Reassessing the risk identifies any new hazards or changes in likelihood and consequence, so you know what controls are needed and what residual risk remains. Updating the PTW ensures that work is only carried out under approved conditions with the right safeguards in place, while updating SOPs makes the new procedures explicit and consistent. Briefing workers ensures they understand the updated controls, their responsibilities, and what to do if conditions change again. Securing formal approval keeps management accountable and confirms that the change has been reviewed and accepted.

Other approaches fall short because notifying external agencies alone does not address internal controls or change how work is performed, and increasing production to offset risk would not reduce the hazard and could make a dangerous situation worse.