The British Columbia Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources has released an 11-part code covering health, safety, and reclamation in the mining industry. The Health, Safety, and Reclamation Code is the result of two years’ joint effort by industry and government. Jack Davis, mines minister, said the new code covers all equipment, rock-dumps, and mining methods, chemicals and working conditions.
Every worker at each mine, quarry, and exploration site in the province will receive a copy of the new code. New provisions give the worker the right to refuse hazardous work as well as to receive information on monthly safety committee inspections, and on accident and safety reports.
New features of the code include more on-the-job training to match larger, remote-controlled equipment, changing technology in mine processing, and higher standards for rescue, blasting, and earthquake preparedness. It also includes higher penalties, increased from $5,000 to $100,000, as well as greater enforcement powers for inspectors.
The new code also features higher reclamation bond requirements to cover mine shutdown costs.
Be the first to comment on "New code sets B.C. mining standards"