It’s somewhat ironic that tough economic times for the mining industry can be counted as something of a blessing in disguise, at least as far as mine safety is concerned.
The Mines Accident Prevention Association Ontario concludes that the poor economic climate for mining can be listed among reasons why, last year, the industry in Ontario recorded the lowest accident frequency rate ever. At the end of the year, the lost time injury frequency rate was 3.9, significantly lower than the frequency of 4.7 recorded in 1985.
The industry’s tremendous safety performance, the mapao says, is due to several factors, including a great improvement in the quality of health and safety training, the 5-star safety rating system, wider acceptance of the principles of loss control, and finally, the association asserts, the fact that the “harsh economic climate has led to structured safety efforts and a newly-emerging production/safety balance.”
While the industry is to be congratulated for an obviously fine job in keeping accidents at a minimum, fatalities continue to cloud the picture. Last year there were 12, the year before that, eight, and in 1984, 16 deaths.
These figures don’t leave much room for complacency, even in an otherwise banner year, and we’re sure the industry is far from resting on its laurels. Just one death is too many.
To end on a brighter note, the mapao this year at its annual meeting May 27-29 in Toronto, for the first time will present safety awards to the industry’s outstanding safety achievers. That in itself should help spur the industry’s total commitment to safety in the workplace.
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