What should miners avoid working near to minimize risk?

Miners should avoid working near areas with visible cracks or slips to minimize risk because these conditions are indicative of unstable ground. Cracks and slips can signify potential landslides or subsidence, which poses a significant threat to the safety of miners. Maintaining distance from such hazards is crucial in preventing accidents and ensuring a safe working environment.

By avoiding these unstable conditions, miners can better protect themselves from possible injury. Other factors, such as heavy machinery and freshly mined areas, while they pose their own risks, do not inherently indicate instability like visible cracks or slips do. Additionally, well-lit areas are generally considered safer because they enhance visibility and allow for better hazard detection. Therefore, the priority is to steer clear of visibly unstable ground to uphold safety standards in mining operations.