Ontario Launches Mining Safety Blitz to Prevent Workplace Injuries and Illness
WINDSOR — During a province-wide blitz from August 6 to September 27, 2019, Ministry of Labour officials are targeting hazards that could lead to the collapse of excavated rock in underground mines to keep workers safe.
These inspections follow weeks of outreach to workplace parties on their responsibilities regarding addressing ground control hazards inherent to underground mining.
“Since 2000, 10 workers have died and nearly 50 workers have been critically injured in underground mines in Ontario as a result of being struck by rock falls,” said Jane McKenna, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Labour. “That’s why this is important. Bringing home miners safely to their families is a priority for our government.”
Mining inspectors and engineers will check that the mines have proper controls and measures in place to prevent the collapse of excavated rock in underground mines as well as to prevent ‘rockbursts’ (violent expulsions of rock from mine backs or roofs and walls).
The inspectors will focus on:
- Reviewing ground control plans (including underground opening support, ground support quality control and ground instability record keeping);
- Mine design;
- Communication programs;
- Procedures for installation of ground support; and
- Quality control programs.
“Ground instability has been one of the biggest causes of fatalities in underground mines in Ontario,” said Parliamentary Assistant McKenna. “We want to ensure workers are healthy and safe.”
The Ministry of Labour is committed to improving mining health and safety in Ontario by helping employers comply with the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA), including through its Safe At Work Ontario strategy.
Quick Facts
- The Mining Health, Safety and Prevention Review ranked four of the top five highest risks as ground control issues.
- In 2014, Ministry of Labour inspectors conducted a similar blitz, during which time they conducted 74 field visits, visited 61 workplaces and issued 229 orders and requirements under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) and its regulations, including 13 stop work orders.
- Ontario has about 40 underground mines with about 25,000 workers, and several thousand surface open pits, quarries and sand and gravel operations with about 10,000 workers. Most of these mines are located in Northern Ontario.
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