Advancing Risk-Based Safety Programs for the Mining Industry

TORONTO - June 19, 2014 - PRLog -- Mining industry leaders have long focused on enhancing safety management systems and safety culture. However, while many mining organizations have seen a drop in incident rates, fatalities continue to occur, and reaching zero harm remains an elusive, yet vital prerogative for the mining industry. Additionally, approaching workforce shifts, coupled with rapid changes in mining technology, mean gaps in safety knowledge and expertise at a time when demonstrating a consistent safety record can ensure a competitive edge in a growing marketplace.

Derek Budge, Director Health, Safety and Environment at Redpath Mining recently spoke with marcus evans about key topics to be discussed at their upcoming 2^nd Annual Health and Safety Excellence in Mining Conference, July 23-24, 2014 at the Doubletree by Hilton Toronto Downtown in Toronto, ON.

The goal for a corporation is to achieve a safety-first internal culture. How do you combat the approaching workforce shifts while instituting this safety-focused mindset into your company culture?

DB: At Redpath, the company motto is “Safety First, Last and Always”. We have a young worker safety awareness program, which includes generic and site specific safety indoctrinations that focus on the 15 element Redpath Safety Program. In 2013, our company introduced the Redpath Fatality Prevention Program which is reviewed with every employee at the point of hire.

How does new technology affect a company’s ability to keep their workforce on a consistent level of safety knowledge and expertise?

DB: Training and education is the key. We involve our engineering department in any new innovations that may improve safety, efficiency, productivity etc. Our group ensures that manufacturers and suppliers provide all technical specs and support regarding initial training.

What current industry/management trends need to change in order to successfully establish an enterprise-wide fatality prevention program?

DB: Safety is a line function and, as such, it is essential that senior management is fully supportive of the initiative and takes the lead on the initial implementation and roll-out presentations at the various regional projects.

Senior management must be familiar with the components of the program -- in our case, the 10 cardinal rules, the 11 Fatal Risk Protocols and how they apply to the work we do.

Because your company has multiple crews that work separately from one another, how do go about maintaining a consistent, enterprise-wide safety culture?

DB: Our Safety Program consists of many pro-active elements which involve both the workers and supervision. This leads to a consistent approach and application of the program specifics. Supervisors have specific safety accountabilities which are an essential part of their job.

We conduct regular Redpath Safety Program compliance audits and involve line management from other areas of responsibility as part of the audit team.

Every year, we have global safety specific strategy sessions and monthly conference calls with our global safety group to share ideas and best practices and learn from each other. In order to combat complacency, we also conduct annual refresher training on the Fatality Prevention Program.

Because mining zones do often take place in rural areas that are not in close proximity to cities, how does this play a role in creating a fatality prevention program?

DB: As we work in many continents, developing the current program over the course of more than a year required numerous meetings and consultations – time zones were a problem when planning meetings to fit all participants’ schedules. Rolling out the program at remote locations was not an issue. Translations thus far have been done in German, Bahasa (Indonesian), Russian, Spanish and French.

What do you think you will gain by attending this marcusevans meeting?

DB: Learn and share industry trends and best practices. Also, I look forward to enjoying the networking opportunities.

Mr. Budge is a Canadian Registered Safety Professional with over 30 years of working in the mining sector including 17 years in managerial and field aspects of HSE Management. Mr. Budge is responsible for ensuring Redpath’s approach to HSE management is consistent and focused on delivering world class practices on all our projects.

Mr. Budge worked underground as a hard rock miner for 14 years including several years of mine rescue service and was also a member of the Joint Occupational Health and Safety Committee representing workers.

For more information regarding the highly anticipated marcus evans 2^nd Annual Health and Safety Excellence in Mining Conference, please check out the conference website (http://www.marcusevans-conferences-northamerican.com/marc...)  or contact Tyler Kelch, Marketing Coordinator, Media & PR, marcus evans at 312-894-6310 or Tylerke@marcusevansch.com.

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