Mining Sector Plan 2008/09
Issued: September 19, 2008
ISBN: 978-1-4249-7899-1
Print Version
[ 148 Kb / 4 pages | Download Adobe Reader ]
Introduction
The Mining Health and Safety Program (MHSP) does not work alone in improving health and safety in mines and mining plants. It is joined by partners in Ontario's occupational health and safety system, which include the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) and the Mines and Aggregates Safety and Health Association. These organizations primarily work with the MHSP through various sector inter-agency groups (SIGs) to develop strategies directed at problem areas where Lost-Time Injuries (LTIs) are statistically the highest or most likely to occur.
The MHSP will strive to achieve continued progress through effective partnerships. System partners have identified three strategic areas where the organizations can function better as a system: by aligning common initiatives and objectives; by creating knowledge about the prevention of occupational injury and illness; and by strengthening the commitment of employers and employees to build safe and healthy workplaces.
The Ministry of Labour (MOL) will also embark on initiatives to address issues with chronic violators as well as working with small businesses to assist them in providing a safe workplace for their staff.
Over the course of the Safe At Work Ontario program, MOL inspectors will be playing close attention to supervisors on projects to ensure that they are focused on fulfilling their duties under section 27 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) and the regulations, and that they have adequate tools to do so from their employers.
The purpose of this plan is to share with our stakeholders the manner in which the MOL will enhance health and safety compliance in each of the sectors within the employer community.
Sector Summary--Mining
Description
- Mines (underground workings and open pits), mills (includes steel mills up to blast furnaces), smelters, refineries, quarries, sand and gravel, oil and gas surface facilities
Size
- Number of Registered Premises = 7,889
History of Lost-Time Injuries (LTIs)
- Calendar Year 2006
*LTI Rate 0.8
*LTI rate = average LTI rate per 100 workers
Source: Mines and Aggregates Safety and Health Association Data
Environment (growth, trends, etc.)
- Large corporate operations, particularly in Northern Ontario, providing significant contributions to provincial and local economies
- Involves operations from mineral exploration to large scale underground activities which require extremely large capital investment
- Sand stone and aggregate range from very small operations to major aggregate producers
- Includes industrial mineral operations
- Current "boom" in exploration with high mineral prices
- Industry having difficulty securing experienced workers
- New workers required to complete core training programs before commencement of work
Major Hazards
- Falls of persons
- Falls of rock
- Machinery contact
- Stockpiles of material
- Conveyors
- Explosives
- Dust
Key Issues
- Falls of ground
- Falls of person
- Mobile equipment incidents
- Training
Enhanced Enforcement Focus
- Internal Responsibility System/Joint Health and Safety Committee and Health and Safety Representatives
- Fall arrest, rescue plans
- Open hole protection
- Vehicle operation areas vs. pedestrian/personnel vehicles in production areas, remote control operations, brake testing
- Scaling/ground support
- Ventilation/dust control
- Shaft sinking/shaft inspections
- Blasting practices
- Inspection focus planned for audit of training per Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities (MCTU) programs
Sector Identification (rate group/SIC Codes)
WSIB Rate Group
- 110 Gold Mines
- 113 Nickel Mines
- 119 Other Mines
- 134 Aggregates
SIC Codes
- 2111 Oil and Gas Extraction
- 2122 Metal Ore Mining
- 2123 Non-Metallic Mineral Mining and Quarrying
- 2131 Support Activities for Mining and Oil and Gas Extraction
