In underground mining operations, hoist systems serve as indispensable infrastructure for the vertical transit of personnel and materials, yet their operational integrity is frequently compromised by catastrophic failure modes, most notably slack rope phenomena. This study conducts a critical evaluation of engineering design paradigms aimed at risk mitigation, with dual emphasis on energy dissipation mechanisms and human biomechanical constraints during emergency deceleration scenarios. Methodologically, it synthesizes and critiques current technological interventions- including elastomeric suspension arrays and friction-based wedge arrestors-through the lens of their energy management efficacy and compatibility with human tolerance thresholds for transient accelerative forces. The analysis identifies a critical tension between achieving optimal energy attenuation and preserving occupant safety within biologically permissible G-force parameters, as delineated by contemporary trauma biomechanics research. Empirical data from recent industrial accidents are analyzed to quantify systemic vulnerabilities, revealing an urgent need for multilayered safety architectures in hoist system design. This study advances a multidisciplinary framework for future innovation, integrating mechanical engineering, materials science, and physiological principles to drive iterative improvements in mine hoist safety protocols. The proposed paradigm shift emphasizes predictive modeling of dynamic load scenarios and failsafe mechanism redundancy as essential components of next-generation hoisting systems.
Webster et al. (2025) studied this question.