SAFETY PAYS

Since 1980, the frequency of accidents at Rio Algom’s Panel mine in Elliot Lake, Ont., has decreased significantly. I attribute that record in large part to the Loss Control System, which we instituted in 1980. Establishing the system wasn’t easy, especially in the beginning. We’ve discovered that it requires a level of commitment and co-operation from management and unionized employees that has to be slowly nurtured. But the benefits are real. For the record, the lost time frequency in 1980 was 6.6 and medical aid frequency was 48.4 per 200,000 hours. In 1987, the frequency dropped to 1.7 and 14.5 respectively. In the 6-month period from January, 1988, to July, 1988, the frequency was 1.3 and 13.3. These frequencies are one of the lowest in the Ontario mining industry.

Financial losses as a result of damage, abuse and lack of correct procedures have also been reduced. For example, beginning in 1983 loss was found to be in the order of $2 million. This has since been reduced to $500,000 in 1987, and an even further drop was experienced in the first quarter of 1988.

The other side of the loss control program deals with accidents and injuries. It has become increasingly important in the mining industry to improve efforts to prevent and control occupational injury and illness, damage, pollution and deficiencies. Loss control is a committed approach to all forms of loss that have a dramatic impact upon morale and the stability of the workforce. The program also deals with off-the-job safety.

The Panel mine introduced the Loss Control Program and the 5-Star Rating System in 1980 to assist both management and the workers in preventing injury and loss. The program consists of 20 elements, ranging from management leadership to off-the-job safety. These elements, along with other safety procedures, are audited annually by a qualified auditor from the Mines Accident Prevention Association of Ontario (MAPAO).

There are 580 audit questions that ask for documentation. This ensures compliance with all elements and physical conditions of the program. Each element (for example, leadership, management training, health control, purchasing controls, and so on) addresses the total points that must be in place (and well documented) to rate a score. In essence, it’s a checkoff list and rating system. The latest audit of Panel’s results gives the mine a 5-star advanced rating. The stars indicate the degree of compliance and, in this way, function similarly to the rating of hotels. The system consists of a first-tier, one- to 5-star standard, and a second, higher grouping of one- to 5-star advanced. The higher the rating, the more effective has been the loss control program. Rio Algom’s Elliot Lake operations, in conjunction with its union, agreed to adopt the program, and the Panel mine introduced it in 1980. Understanding of the program has been achieved through constant awareness and education of all the elements. A 40-hour introduction course was set up for all supervisors, superintendents and managers. The course was given by the originator of the Loss Control System, the International Loss Control Institute from the U.S. The courses have since been given to all Health and Safety Committee members. As well, an 8-hour course has been given to all personnel.

At the outset, the program didn’t really take hold at the Panel mine. Workers worried that the system would generate finger-pointing and recriminations. We made it clear, however, that if the rank-and-file workers found substandard conditions, they should report them to front-line supervisors. If no action was taken by these supervisors, the workers were to report the conditions directly to me. This system fostered trust and open communications between the hourly-paid people and salaried staff.

The Loss Control Program has become the foundation of the Panel mine’s progress in becoming more conscious of safety and loss. It has developed a spirit of teamwork throughout the mine, thereby demonstrating the system’s effectiveness.

One of the items addressed in the program is quality control in the workplace. “Do the job right every time, all the time” is our slogan. The Safety and Loss Control Program addresses this by evaluating the effectiveness of the overall system. As a result of the program, the Panel mine has put into place various committees to evaluate, change and improve quality.

These committees deal with the following issues:

* damage control

* cost-effectiveness

* safety campaigns

* awards

* operator/maintenance control

* rules

* the annual Panel day picnic

These committees examine various ways of making people more aware of safety and reducing loss. The Joint Safety and Health Committee does an excellent job in communicating the program; it has examined and changed rules and procedures that do not fit the requirement. These committees are important to the Loss Control Program.

We at the Panel mine work under the Internal Responsibility System. As professionals, it is important to recognize the potential for loss, eliminate hazards of all kinds and, above all, prevent injury. Any form of loss, direct or indirect, hurts the organization. At Panel, we’ve found it takes teamwork, good communication, a responsible attitude, pride and the participation of all employees to make the 5-star rating system and Loss Control Program a success.