SAFETY: Ontario releases update from mining health and safety review

TORONTO – The Ontario Ministry of Labour has released a progress report from the mining health, safety and prevention review. The final report is not due until next year, but some of the recommendations are important enough to begin...

TORONTO – The Ontario Ministry of Labour has released a progress report from the mining health, safety and prevention review. The final report is not due until next year, but some of the recommendations are important enough to begin implementation now.

Here are four areas of immediate concern:

  • Clothing visibility – New guidelines have been issued for the use of high visibility clothing in both underground and open pit mines as well as plants and surface facilities. Watch for even stronger guidelines in the near future, and expect them to be added to the OHSA regulations.
  • Disease prevention - The review proposed creation of an Ontario Mining exposure database to track exposure and illnesses where carcinogenic, toxic or hazardous substances are involved.
  • Vibration research – The progress report proposes a study to find protective equipment that will reduce foot-transmitted vibrations, particularly those felt by operators of underground mining equipment.
  • Joint health and safety committee training – Guidelines for joint health and safety committee training and provider qualifications were updated in May 2014. They come into effect late next year, and include the requirement that training must be conducted by approved instructors.

The progress report may be read in its entirety by clicking here.


With thanks to Norton Rose Fulbright (NortonRoseFulbright.com/ca) for its concise article on the matter.

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