Health & Safety

Most accidents occur when people fail to recognize a potentially hazardous situation and do not take preventive measures. The goal of these guidelines is to increase safety awareness for people employed in the mineral exploration industry, especially those who work in a field environment. It is important to recognize situations where the risks and hazards at a project or camp location are higher than normal, which is typical at remote sites when first aid and medical treatment may be unavailable for hours or even days. Two noteworthy circumstances also increase the risk of accidents – working alone, and being a new employee at a site, especially if the worker is male and under the age of 25. Statistics indicate that 50% of all accidents that happen to young workers aged 15-24 (including students) occur during their first six months on a job.

There are numerous measures aimed at diminishing the occurrence and severity of accidents; they include company policies and procedures, safety meetings, and risk assessments and job safety analyses (JSAs). Company policies and procedures should include requirements for safety meetings, risk assessments and JSAs. Safety meetings take many forms. They may be lengthy and detailed with required attendance by all employees, such as pre-program site induction sessions, or meetings may be limited in focus and last only a few minutes, such as when employees perform a daily pre-job check.

At any safety meeting, the information has to be understood by the attendees. Therefore, translation may be an issue in places where companies hire local employees who speak a language other than the language the company normally uses. For instance, a first aid attendant has to be able to communicate with a patient, and employees have to understand safe operating procedures (SOPs), why and how to use personal protective equipment (PPE), and the safety instructions from a charter aircraft pilot when they are transported by air. At some sites the translator may be hired by a contractor. In any situation, critical information should be communicated in the local language when comprehension is necessary. Finally, risk assessments and job safety analyses (JSAs) can help identify risks and hazards so they can be mitigated, which should result in lower accident rates. Trained company personnel, competent contractors, and specialists (sometimes) who are familiar with the work site and the jobs should conduct risk assessments and JSAs. 

As part of a Health and Safety Program, every mineral exploration company should have an Emergency Management Plan and up-to-date Emergency Response Plans (ERPs) to address potential emergency situations that could occur within the organization and at each project site. In the past, many exploration companies have mainly relied on common sense and experience to deal with emergency situations; the outcomes have been variable at best. When an emergency occurs, there is no time to decide who is in charge, what alternatives will best control a situation, who has training to help, and how to use the communication equipment to obtain help. 

An emergency response plan addresses these issues and provides information and direction for addressing the situation as quickly as possible. In critical situations the first hour during an emergency (the golden hour) is often the most important, and the outcomes for the people involved and the company will be more successful when a company has an ERP prepared in advance and appropriately trained staff and contractors.   

This section addresses emergency response from the point of view of a mineral exploration company. However, individuals conducting geological fieldwork or mineral exploration on their own also need to have an emergency response plan. This may be simply ensuring a third party knows where they are, and when they are expected to return, so a rescue can be launched if the person is overdue.

This chapter addresses ways of protecting your body from the risks and hazards of working in the mineral exploration industry with emphasis on the need for and use of personal protective equipment (PPE). It is in the best interest of each employee to become as knowledgeable and self-reliant as possible regarding their personal safety. Therefore, employees should be trained and certified in the correct selection, use, care and maintenance of PPE, as required. Although PPE provides a personal means of defence against hazards, employees need to understand that they should not develop a false sense of security and rely on PPE to the exclusion of other safety measures. The resources section lists many government websites to enable the reader to seek out additional information regarding PPE and safety protection for employees. 

Field Equipment Safety covers the safe use of implements and equipment that are commonly used for field work rather than at project or camp sites, although some may be used in both situations. 

Most field employees enjoy the challenge of traversing. It is important to exercise good judgement at all times, as a fall in isolated or rough terrain can be life-threatening especially when you are alone. An entire field party may be placed at risk when one member is injured. 

Statistics collected over the past 25 years by the Association for Mineral Exploration British Columbia (AME BC) indicate that slips and falls average about 45% of all lost workday accidents in the exploration industry in western Canada. Do not take chances. 

Every employee who traverses or works in the field away from the immediate project site should know how to use a compass and develop good topographic map reading skills to help navigate and keep track of their location. Reliance on global positioning system (GPS) technology should not be the only method used to determine location, as GPS instruments can fail electronically and because the batteries they require can go flat.  

In addition to knowing your location, it is very important to follow safety guidelines before heading out to work each day. 

1. Tracking system: There should be a tracking system in place to record planned travel routes and off site work locations on a centrally located map. Record all routes, whether they are traverses on foot or trips using vehicles, snowmobiles, all-terrain vehicles, aircraft, or boats. Indicate the destination, planned route, drop off point, pick up point, estimated time of arrival and return etc. Leave grid coordinates whenever possible. R
2. Check-in system: There should be a communication system in place to keep in contact with employees. Field employees should check in at prearranged time intervals and notify the appropriate person whenever they change plans. Check-in schedules should include all employees who work off site, including those who work from a hotel or are travelling in other countries. 
3. Emergency response plans (ERPs): Each project should develop site specific ERPs that addresses local risks and hazards. Each employee should be familiar with the ERPs and carry contact numbers and/or radio frequencies to use if an emergency situation develops. 

Mineral exploration employees often work in hostile terrain and weather conditions where the risk of facing a survival situation is higher than for the average person. A crisis may develop for individuals or crews on traverse, at a work location or during travel to and from a work site.  

A project drill site or a field survey crew could become isolated due to sudden storms, flooding, avalanche, forest fire, a whiteout or the loss of backup transportation (e.g., mechanical breakdown, the loss of a boat or helicopter). Field camps are vulnerable to fire, which can leave people with serious burns and without shelter, food, water, clothing, communication and transportation in temperature extreme conditions. Although people often ignore the possibility, a survival crisis may develop very near civilization. Therefore, employees need to take survival equipment on every job at all times.   

Proper preparation in advance may mean the difference between life and death in a crisis. Preparation should include seeking local expert knowledge about the area (e.g., the location of safe water and emergency shelters such as a remote cabin). Try to locate a small survival book suitable for the region where you work. It should be small enough to carry in your pack so it is available to help prioritize your actions during an emergency. 

Exploration field employees may work in highly variable physical and climatic environments, and possibly where they have little or no previous experience. Consequently, they risk exposure to unfamiliar natural hazards, which may be weather related, environment related, terrain related or a combination of these hazards. When commencing exploration projects in new and unfamiliar or high risk areas, the best approach is to learn as much as possible from knowledgeable sources and perform risk assessments to determine which risks and hazards are likely to be most significant. It may be advisable to hire experts to help assess the risks, develop safe operating procedures (SOPs) and train field crews, especially if crews are inexperienced. 

Additionally, it is important not to become complacent about risks and hazards after gaining experience in a region. Information in this section should be helpful in developing safe operation procedures and training topics for safety meetings and to mitigate risks.

Wildlife may present a danger to field employees ranging from nuisance level to life-threatening. Depending on the location, the major risks may be large mammals, reptiles or insects and include potential attacks, bites or the diseases that result from bites. In addition to safety issues, many animals that may be encountered are endangered species and are protected by legislation. All field employees have a responsibility to avoid disturbing the environment, including animals, as much as possible. 

Many detailed ground geophysical or geochemical surveys are contracted out to specialists, often with a mineral exploration company geologist onsite to monitor the contractor’s work. An exploration company should check the contractor’s safety record, including their safety program, incident statistics, and Workers’ Compensation Board certification or compliance history before committing to a contract. The contract should contain clauses outlining health and safety principles and practices to an acceptable level. It is also prudent to check their insurance coverage. 

The exploration company must give reasonable information to the contractor regarding site hazards and environmental issues, which may require a site visit by the contractor before work commences. The contractor should provide a supervisor who is responsible for compliance with the authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs) such as occupational health and safety (OHS) legislation and Mines Acts and Regulations. Ideally, the contractor should be familiar with the area, especially if exploration work is undertaken in a new area or country. Otherwise, more review detail than normal is required for local health, safety and environmental conditions.  

The type of work involving chainsaws and cutting grid lines is often given to employees or contractors who are local to the project – for example, Indigenous people. Such employees or contractors may be familiar with chainsaws but not in the industrial setting and not with strict health and safety considerations. Companies and project managers need to develop education systems to educate such local employees on safe practices rather than assuming that, because they have used chainsaws in their everyday life, they do so safely. Given the high level of comfort of such people with the bush or field environment, appreciation of their bush skills, as well as safety requirements of the workplace, need to be handled with sensitivity. 

The risks and hazards of travel generally depend on your destination, how informed and prepared you are before departure, your state of health, and your perceived level of importance to those who might wish to cause harm. Therefore it is important to learn as much as possible about the destination so that you can cope well, not offend local traditions, and avoid health and safety issues. For some locations it may be advisable for exploration companies to carry out a risk assessment to determine whether doing business there presents unacceptable risks to the company or its employees. 

When visiting a field project you may be going places where typical tourists do not travel. Use appropriate guidebooks to learn about the country and research the risks on government websites, such as those of Canada, Australia, the UK, and the USA if you want information in English. Talk to other mineral exploration people who may have worked there, though their advice may not be perfect – sometimes people working in a risky area become accustomed to the risks and downplay them. Check with a travel medical advisor who is familiar with health issues in the region. Finally, always keep a low profile to avoid the appearance of a good target and “someone of value”. 

An exploration company initiating a program in a country with perceived risks may benefit from professional expert advice, especially if serious security problems exist. There are security firms that specialize in assisting companies with the issue of travel outside the home country. Such companies will run training courses on safe, secure travel, audit company procedures, assist with setting up emergency response systems, provide personal security on site, and may establish “safe house” accommodations in extreme situations. Some may also assist with crisis situations such as negotiations in the event of kidnapping. 

Drivers of vehicles are a major cause of work-related accidents and safety incidents in the mineral exploration industry. Usually they are due to driver error or negligence. Therefore, by improving driver skills, attitudes, defensive driving techniques, and by reducing driver fatigue, an exploration company can expect to reduce vehicle collisions and incidents. Carrying appropriate equipment and good maintenance practices also contribute to improved vehicle safety. 

Company employees who travel in countries where roads and driving conditions are particularly hazardous should avoid driving and instead use local staff drivers or professional drivers associated with their hotel.  

When they differ, the instructions in the manufacturer’s operator manual that accompany a vehicle or piece of equipment (e.g., winch or jack) take precedence over instructions in these guidelines. 

All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) are a class of multi-wheeled vehicles; the most common types are 3- and 4-wheel machines. 4-wheel ATVs may be referred to as “quads”. Some, like the Argo, come with 6 or 8 wheels and are amphibious.  

Handling an ATV is very different from other vehicles, including 2-wheel motor bikes. Operating an ATV is “rider active” where the rider must use his or her body movements to help control the machine. The all-terrain design creates a higher centre of gravity and makes these machines more susceptible to overturning, particularly on corners or at high speeds. ATVs should not be operated without adequate instruction from a certified or experienced instructor. As ATVs are designed for off-road use and are permitted on public roads in only a few regions, riders should be familiar with local ATV regulations. The use of ATVs is increasing as they allow access to areas that might otherwise be too remote or too costly to reach. They provide a convenient means of carrying equipment, supplies and samples, and may even replace pack animals in some places. However, they are not the safest off-road vehicle and they should only be used when necessary. When off-road conditions are suitable for their use, it is advisable to use four-wheel drive vehicles and side by side utility vehicles, which are generally safer than ATVs.   

ATVs have considerable impact on the environment due to their large knobby tires and ability to negotiate rough terrain. Fragile ecosystems are easily impacted when new trails are created or ATVs get bogged down or stuck, whether they are in desert regions, wetlands, alpine areas or forests. Thin soils are easily broken by driving over the surfaces so that ruts and gouges rapidly expand in size. 

Snowmobiles (snow machine, sled, skidoo) are part of a specialized class of all-terrain vehicles; they are powered by a two or a four stroke gasoline engine and move on a continuous rotating track and skis.

Snowmobiles are commonly used in extremely adverse weather conditions with sub-zero temperatures; therefore, employee safety relies heavily on their dependability. Snowmobiles should be kept in good operating condition and be equipped with emergency supplies. For this reason, it may be advisable for companies to consider leasing new snowmobiles each season rather than purchasing them and attempting to maintain them over several years.  

The mineral exploration industry commonly relies on aircraft to access remote exploration sites. Various types of fixed wing aircraft and helicopters are used depending on availability and what is most appropriate for the job. Mineral exploration often requires operating aircraft in a wide variety of remote and challenging conditions. Aircraft related accidents, particularly those involving helicopters, have accounted for more fatalities than any other type of accident in exploration. 

Some fatalities could have been prevented if safe operating procedures (SOPs) had been followed. Four ways to reduce the likelihood of aircraft related incidents and potential fatalities are (1) carefully select charter aircraft companies and pilots; (2) do not accept unsafe practices by pilots or pressure pilots towards such practices; (3) thoroughly train all employees at any project serviced by aircraft to work safely in and around aircraft; and (4) provide refresher training for those who use charter aircraft on casual basis.  

When boats are used for exploration work, it is important to select the appropriate boat and motor for the type of waters where they will be used; use the largest, safest boat available for the job. For large bodies of water, coastal areas and on cold lakes, use large boats or rigid inflatable boats (RIBs) with keels, if possible. These have much greater stability than small boats or canoes. Canoes and dugouts should be avoided. However, if required, they should only be used on small lakes and streams. 

Operators should be thoroughly familiar with the characteristics and limitations of their boat and motor; they should know their personal boating capabilities and not exceed them. When working on boats in unfamiliar or hazardous waters or where navigation is difficult, a company should consider hiring certified pilots or experienced locals who are familiar with the risks and hazards of the project area.  

Due to the possibility of capsizing and falling overboard, everyone who uses boats should know how to swim. Training in boat recovery and rescue skills, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and other resuscitation skills is essential. If you work in cold water areas, be prepared to deal with cold water immersion hypothermia at all times and wear a personal flotation device (PFD) with appropriate thermal insulating properties. 

Transport Canada sets minimum requirements and standards for the operation of pleasure craft, non-pleasure craft, and commercial vessels. These requirements are found on government websites and, where relevant, are listed within the chapter and in the resources section to enable the reader to find additional information about boating safety. 

Careful planning and a concern for health, safety and the environment are essential for good project management. Field camps or rented accommodations should provide adequate working, eating and sleeping arrangements for field personnel and should be appropriately equipped to encourage employees to work safely and efficiently. At the same time, camps should make as little impact as possible on the environment. Project managers have to allow sufficient time to secure the required permits and permissions before sites are opened. Consider the following factors when selecting a project or camp site:   

• Time of residence: Will the camp be in operation for a field season or year round?   
• Duration: Temporary or a permanent establishment  
• Size of the camp (at each time of year)  
• Accessibility: Transportation access (vehicle, helicopter and fixed wing) may impact the site selection   
• Required permits  

Regular communications play an extremely important role in safe and effective exploration work. Good communication promotes safe work, builds morale, and encourages the efficient use of time, equipment and personnel. Established and tested communications routines are essential during emergency situations. 

The term “communication” covers all contacts between offices, projects, base camps, fly camps, fixed wing aircraft, helicopters, crews on traverses, parties travelling in vehicles (including all-terrain vehicles and snowmobiles) and boats. 

Company communications routines should also include check-in systems for personnel who are working out of a hotel etc., and for those travelling outside their home country.

Because no single communications system or check-in schedule will suffice, it is usually the responsibility of each project manager to develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) for routine and emergency communications. Each project or camp manager should assess the requirements of their work site(s) and take into account such factors as isolation, terrain, time of year, weather, means of transportation and other pertinent risks.  

Exploration employees who work at drill sites face exposure to hazards associated with drill equipment and sampling processes as well as the inherent hazards of location, terrain and climate. In addition, it is common practice for the senior geologist at a project to be in effect the project manager, and thus wholly or partially responsible for health and safety of both exploration company employees and contractor employees. 

Exploration companies should select a capable drilling contractor with the correct drill equipment for the job – preferably a drill rig with automated or mechanized rod handling features to reduce the risks of injuries. Drills are required by law to have other safety features such as guards on all moving parts, emergency shut offs and lockout capability (not just unhooking the battery). 

This section highlights common risks and hazards associated with drill sites and focuses on safe work procedures and strategies to prevent accidents. The aim is to highlight safety information for exploration geologists and geotechnical personnel etc., rather than for drillers and drilling contractors who should have their own safety programs and safe operating procedures (SOPs). All parties working at drill sites should be required to comply with all relevant regulations of the authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs). 

Accident prevention at drill sites depends on planning and preparation in three areas:  

• Make certain that drilling contractors apply the highest possible safety standards.    
• Make certain that exploration company drill site personnel (e.g., geologists, samplers) and visitors are informed and understand the potential hazards and risks of their roles and follow safe procedures.   
• Make certain that project managers have sufficiently detailed technical knowledge of drilling processes to effectively manage drilling projects and monitor contractor's safety compliance.  

As exploration progresses to more advanced stages, the activity level at a project site and its footprint usually increases significantly. Work on advanced projects typically includes building access routes, trenching, bulk sampling, constructing drill pads and exploratory drilling – which frequently require blasting and the use of heavy equipment and may involve considerable ground disturbance. This work is usually done by contractors. 

Before hiring a contractor, an exploration company should carefully evaluate the contractor’s safety program, incident statistics and compliance history. Generally, an exploration company geologist should be on site to monitor the contractor’s work, the contractor should provide a supervisor who is responsible for compliance with the authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs), such as occupational health and safety (OHS) and Mines Acts and Regulations and environmental regulations.  Before work commences, the exploration company should inform the contractor of site hazards and environmental issues, which may require a site visit. Good communication between the company project manager and the contractor is essential in order to develop teamwork and implement site specific safe operating procedures (SOPs) and emergency response plans (ERPs). 

It can be challenging to get contractors and their employees to follow the exploration company SOPs, wear personal protective equipment (PPE) and attend scheduled safety meetings. Some companies advocate scheduling a regular evening safety meeting in a relaxed setting with an agenda aimed at generating discussions about various safety issues. By making these meetings as inclusive as possible and promoting active participation by all attendees, all site employees (drillers, driller helpers and camp support workers) will find it productive to attend. Also, it is a good idea for supervisors to have a safety meeting each morning to discuss the day’s work and develop any necessary additional job safety analyses (JSAs). 

Exploration companies often use their own employees when constructing access routes only requires clearing vegetation and minimal tree felling. At sites where workers are employed directly by the exploration company, the site geologist (site supervisor or project manager) is usually ultimately responsible for environmental, health and safety considerations. 

The company site supervisor or geologist (and the contractor’s supervisor if there is one) must be aware of all permits issued for the project and make sure the project is in compliance with them.  

Note: This section of the PDAC Health and Safety Guidelines is not intended to replace heavy equipment manufacturers’ operator manuals and the proper training of operators. It is intended as guidance for exploration site supervisors and geologists to help assess the safe operation of heavy equipment by trained personnel and reduce the likelihood of accidents for all workers at advanced exploration sites

Mineral exploration may take place in regions where there are abandoned mines that can provide valuable geologic information when re-evaluated or re-explored. However, abandoned surface and old underground mine workings (including old exploratory drifts) are among the most hazardous places where exploration geoscientists may work. Primary risks include the potential collapse of ground and confined space, which is defined as any enclosed space having a single point of entry and exit. Confined spaces may have a potential to concentrate toxic gases such as carbon dioxide, methane, or hydrogen sulphide, or they may contain insufficient oxygen to support life.  

It may be tempting for geologists and prospectors to enter old mine workings, especially where they are horizontal adits and light is penetrating from outside some distance into the entrance. Often the best outcrops of mineralization are in old adits. However the dangers are considerable. 

An exploration company should have written safe operating procedures (SOPs) in place before permitting exploration work at abandoned surface or old underground mine sites. Careful assessment, planning and preparations are necessary. Employees should be familiar with the general and site specific risks and hazards, the company SOPs and emergency response plan (ERP), and have appropriate training to carry out the exploration work safely. They should not venture into abandoned surface or old underground workings without specific company and jurisdictional permission to engage in such activities. 

Some hazardous sites may not be easily recognized. For instance, there is evidence that numerous sites, particularly in Eastern Europe and the former USSR, may be contaminated with hazardous chemicals or radioactivity. Exploration programs undertaken in such areas require special preparations to determine whether these potential hazards are present. 

It should be borne in mind that hazards similar to those of abandoned or old mine sites may also exist under other circumstances. For example, there are documented fatalities caused by accumulations of toxic gases that were encounter while monitoring a closed mine site where tailings or waste rock piles were generating hazardous gases that migrated and concentrated in buildings constructed at the toe of the tailings or waste pile.