Safety: A vital standard
The B. C. mining industry has not had a fatality since 2009— the longest stretch in over a decade.
An increasing number of projects in both the development and producing phases means an increasing number of workplace hazards.
Carol Pilon, St. John Ambulance’s regional director of operations for the interior/ north bc and the yukon, says the industry is getting more innovative with its training and safety requirements.
“When we went to ( AME BC’S) Roundup last year what we were finding is that safety is of key importance and that having those qualified and certified industry- based people was important,” says Pilon. “the companies saw these individuals as investments and were willing to spend the money and take the time to make the work space safe for them.”
In a recent release by the Ministry of Energy and Mines about the B. C. mining industry’s safety record, Karina Brino, president and ceo of the mining association of b. C. noted the increased importance of safety.
“Commodity prices will dictate growth and expansion in the mining industry, but our most valuable asset never changes – it’s our people,” said Brino.“as we gear up over the next decade to ope n several new mines and expand operations across B. C., our primary focus when training new employees will continue to be on safe work practices and injury and accident prevention.”
Pilon notes that an increased focus in safety has boosted enrolment in the organization’s Standard First Aid for Mines and spinal immobilization and transportation for Mines — two courses widely recognized by the mining industry.
“As we’re starting to see the industry growth in mining and exploration we’re also seeing a growth in the number of requirements as related to first aid,” notes Pilon.
Lise Tompson, president and CEO of 1984 Enterprises, a Vancouver- based healthy and safe consultanting company, says the most widely-accepted first aid courses are the 16 hour training courses offered by the red cross and st. John.
According to 1984 Enterprises, occupational health and safety isn’t just related to physical injury— it encompasses “the social, mental and physical well- being of workers.”