What is the primary responsibility of a Surface Foreman regarding ground control?

The primary responsibility of a Surface Foreman regarding ground control is to ensure the safe control of highwalls, pit areas, and spoil banks. This involves actively monitoring and managing the stability and integrity of the ground conditions in these areas to prevent accidents, landslides, or collapses that could pose risks to workers and operations. Proper ground control is essential for maintaining a safe work environment, especially in surface mining operations where the terrain can be inherently unstable due to excavation and removal activities.

While other responsibilities, such as training employees, maintaining equipment, and coordinating shifts, are also important, they fall secondary to the critical aspect of ground control. A failure in ground stability can lead to severe consequences, making the oversight of highwalls, pit areas, and spoil banks paramount for the Surface Foreman's role. This ensures not only compliance with safety regulations but also the protection of personnel working on the site.