What action should be taken to secure overhanging areas in a mine?

Securing overhanging areas in a mine is crucial for ensuring the safety of all personnel working in or around those areas. The correct action is to remove or secure them properly because this directly addresses the potential hazards posed by unstable rock or other materials that could pose a risk of falling.

By performing proper engineering controls, such as scaling loose rock, installing appropriate support systems, or using safety nets, miners can significantly reduce the risk of injury or fatality. This proactive approach not only protects the workforce but also helps maintain operational integrity.

Other choices, while they may reflect an awareness of danger, do not take sufficient action to mitigate the risks. Simply avoiding those areas does not resolve the underlying hazards, marking them without securing them leaves a dangerous situation intact, and assessing from a distance provides no real solution to the safety threats posed to those working in proximity.