In 2014, a risk assessment for the surface mining sector was facilitated by Sujoy Dey, Ph.D., Corporate Risk Officer at the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD). The workshop included 15 representatives from management, labour, government, and not-for-profit organizations. In advance of the workshop, each industry expert submitted their top health and safety concerns. During the face-to-face risk assessment workshop, 263 underground mining risks and 141 surface mining risks were reviewed and discussed by the group.

• Risk Assessment Summary of Underground and Surface Mines in Ontario

Slips, trips, and falls Root Cause Workshop

In 2022, the IHSA Surface Mining and Aggregates Sector Working Group made a decision to host a Root Cause Workshop on slips, trips, and falls, which ranked #3 in the risk assessment. On January 18 and 19, 2023, IHSA facilitated a Root Cause Analysis Workshop with peer-recognized subject-matter experts from the industry (Management and Labour) along with other stakeholders. Over the course of two days, they worked together to identify and prioritize causal factors for slips, trips, and falls in the surface mining and aggregates sectors. Using the fishbone/cause and effect methodology, a list of primary root causes for slips, trips, and falls was created.

Following the fishbone exercise, the industry participants voted to determine the top 10 causes for slips, trips, and falls in the surface mining and aggregates sector. Subsequently, the participants collaborated to brainstorm controls and solutions to help minimize and reduce these risks.

Related Root Cause Workshop Documents

• Top 10 root causes of slips, trips, and falls
• Technical report: Aggregate slips, trips, and falls root cause workshop results
• Root cause analysis report: Underground strikes
• On-demand webinar
• Fishbone diagrams

Resources

Based on the results from the Root Cause Workshop, IHSA identified the following resources to support the surface mining and aggregates sectors.

• IHSA Aggregates Resources Page
• Hygiene Consulting Services

On-demand webinars:

• How to prepare for Ontario inspection campaign of Mining Common Core Modular Training
• Roles and Responsibilities for Training Signing Authorities

Related safety talks:

• Slip and Fall Hazards for Truck Drivers
• Stepladders
• 3-Point Contact – Ladders
• 3-point contact—Vehicles and equipment
• Housekeeping
• Mobile Devices on Worksites
• Safety Talk: 3-point contact
• Scaffolds—Planks and decks
• Scaffolds—Structural components
• Whole Body Vibration
• Winter Hazards
• Working Alone
• Working on stockpiles

Additional IHSA resources:

• Safe Work Practices for the Aggregates Industry
• Health and Safety Aggregate Sector Brochure
• Backing Up
• High-visibility Clothing
• Traffic Control
• Housekeeping Poster
• Reducing the Risk of Workers Being Struck by Vehicles or Mobile Equipment
• Winter Hazards Topic Page

Facilitators and support

Special thanks to industry representatives, stakeholders, and their organizations for participating in the Surface Mining and Aggregates Root Cause Workshop. Your involvement allows IHSA to share valuable industry-specific resources.

Drain Bros Excavating Limited The Miller Group Technica Mining Dufferin Aggregates Infrastructure Health & Safety Association Ontario Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development Ontario Stone, Sand & Gravel Association Workplace Safety and Prevention Services