Mining industry representatives from throughout the province gathered in Victoria earlier this week to recognize B.C. mining operations for their health and safety accomplishments at the 54th annual Mine Safety Awards banquet.
The awards are presented annually to mines and quarries for managing crews who have undergone anywhere from 15,000 to one million worker hours with the lowest injury-frequency rate in the previous calendar year.
British Columbia has long been a leader in mine health and safety, and these awards recognize the dedication of industry, workers, unions and ministry staff who are committed to continued safety at B.C. mines. Their dedication demonstrates that it is possible for mines to operate successfully while maintaining high standards of health and safety for workers.
Even mines placed in care and maintenance due to today’s challenging market conditions—such as Walter Energy’s Wolverine, Brule and Willow Creek mines—were recognized for continuing to meet their ongoing health and safety obligations.
No mineral is as valuable as the people who mine it. Protection of workers, the public and the environment is always at the top of mind, and injuries at B.C. mines remained low in 2014. The collective efforts of industry and government continue to ensure that mining remains one of the safest heavy industries in British Columbia.
See backgrounder for a full list of this year’s recipients.
Quotes:
Bill Bennett, Minister of Energy and Mines –
“Safety is a critical component of the mining industry and it’s important to recognize the efforts of the companies that make health and safety a priority—setting the bar for B.C.’s mining sector. We don’t take safety for granted in B.C., and I’d like to thank the inspectors, management, workers and unions who have made safety their primary goal—well done!”
Quick Facts:
- Mining is one of the safest heavy industries in B.C.
- The Mine Safety Awards were established in 1961 by the B.C. Minister of Mines and Petroleum Resources to recognize the safety record of mines in B.C.
- Provincial health and safety inspectors are involved in all aspects of the mining cycle. In 2015 inspectors conducted a total of 1809 mine visits.
- According to WorkSafeBC data, as of Dec. 11, 2015, the 2014 total estimated injury rate (weighted average) at mines in British Columbia was 0.9, representing no change from 2013.
Learn More:
The Mine Safety Awards honour mining operations for their safety accomplishments in the previous calendar year. To learn more, visit: http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/mineral-exploration-mining/health-safety/mine-safety-awards