It's been a busy weekend, and we have barely started.
This is to everyone. There have been way to many "close calls" lately. We have never seen so many serious incidents in such a short order, but we are spending more time trying to figure out why we are loosing production than fixing things. Even a 10 person "productivity committees" time could be better served in making it safer for our members, rather than getting employees to triple duty in the pit. The busier we are, the more chance for failure. The first DO this weekend was on Feb 3rd. A dozer operator was uninjured after a slow roll over of the machine the employee was operating. The operator was actively "ripping" the ground on top of a bench to break up frost chunks, when the employee hit a soft spot. This in turn put his machine off balance, and it rolled over on its side. He was not injured, nor was there any equipment damage. USW OSHEC members were called, the scene was secured and an investigation is pending. The second incident happened earlier today, Feb 4th, 2017 This involved an unexpected result in a pre-sheer blast pattern explosion, where the entire pattern set off at once. This blew blast rock much farther than anticipated, damaging several loaded blast hole primer cords, and completely destroying a parked and unoccupied pickup truck. The truck had been abandoned at a previous time for a mechanical failure, was clear of the intended blast, but was totaled in the ensuing rain of rock. The pictures of the incident are a stark reminder why it is so critical to ensure that all blasts are guarded, all employees are well clear of the intended blast area, and that all precautions are taken. USW OSHEC members were called, the scene was secured and the investigation is ongoing. As per the BC Mines Code - Dangerous Occurrences - 1.7.3 (5) premature or unexpected explosion of explosives, gas or an dust. Remember, you have the legal right and responsibility to refuse unsafe work. |
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October 2018
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