The Province is holding the 55th annual Mine Safety Awards banquet to honour mining operations for their work to ensure mining remains one of British Columbia’s safest heavy industries.

Each year, the awards are presented to mines and quarries for managing crews who have accumulated 15,000 or more worker hours with the lowest injury-frequency rate in the previous calendar year. The companies recognized are leaders in workplace safety in an industry that is essential to B.C.’s strong and growing economy.

In 1969, B.C. was one of the first jurisdictions in Canada to introduce health and safety legislation and regulations for mines and B.C.’s mining sector continues to be one of the safest and most responsible in the world. Government presents the Mine Safety Awards each year to recognize industry, workers, unions and ministry staff for their effort and continued commitment to implementing the high standards of health and safety for workers. 

Today, B.C. has more than 30,000 people employed in mineral exploration, mining and related sectors. Ensuring the safety of workers, the public and the environment is essential to securing a strong future for this job creating industry.

Quote:

Bill Bennett, Minister of Energy and Mines –

“The mining sector is vital to our province’s economy and it’s important to recognize the people and companies that have contributed to making mining one of our safest heavy industries. Tonight’s awards honour mining operations that have shown their dedication to meeting and exceeding our province’s high safety standards. Congratulations to tonight’s award recipients and thank you for the work you do.”

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.

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

See backgrounder for a full list of this year’s recipients.