New Silica Code of Practice for two Labrador west mining companies

Dianne Whalen, Minister of Government Services, was joined today by the general manager of environmental safety and health at Iron Ore Company of Canada, Phil Turner, president of United Steelworkers Local 5795, George Kean, resident manager at Wabush Mines, Bob Berendt, and president of United Steelworkers Local 6255, Jim Skinner, to announce a new Silica Code of Practice for the Iron Ore Company of Canada (IOCC) and Wabush Mines. Silica dust is a common by-product of mining and can cause silicosis, a condition which causes thickening and stiffening of the lungs. Silica dust is also a known carcinogen.

"This is an extremely important step forward for IOCC, Wabush Mines and my Occupational Health and Safety Branch not only because the new code will improve the health and safety of workers but also because it makes us leaders in this area," said Minister Whalen. "Although this code is only in effect for these two mines for the time being, it is a template we can use for all quarries and mining operations in Newfoundland and Labrador. Other mines and quarries will have their own complexities but we have ensured that this code can be tailored to meet their needs. It is our goal to extend this code to other mines and quarries in the future. As well, this code will act as an example of best practice for other jurisdictions in preventing silicosis in future generations of mine workers."

The Silica Code of Practice was developed by a committee including government, management and union of both IOCC and Wabush Mines. Through this process, all parties agreed that the code must include detailed hazard assessment and dust control management strategies including up-to-date medical surveillance for workers.

The previous Silica Code of Practice had been in effect since 1984 however a number of studies and reviews have been conducted in the ensuing years and it was determined that the code needed to be revised to ensure improved worker safety.

John Hickey, Minister responsible for Labrador Affairs, recognizes the benefits of the new Silica Code of Practice. "Although the primary concern is ensuring that workers at both mines have proper safety measures in place when working with silica dust, this agreement also has other benefits for those who do not work at the mines. Because one of the aims of this code is dust control, residents of Labrador City and Wabush can expect to see less ambient air dust which will be beneficial for their health. It will also be better on the environment in this area."

Minister Whalen signed the new Silica Code of Practice today, which will now become law, in a news conference in Labrador City with the full support of IOCC and Wabush Mines representatives from management and union.

"Our first priority is to make sure that all workers go home at the end of the day safe and well," said Minister Whalen. "Many times attention is focused on dangers which can have an immediate effect on worker health and safety but we all have a responsibility to place equal attention on dangers which may have long-term effects such as silica dust. Silicosis and other complications may arise years after someone has stopped working in mines and quarries. That is why establishing this new Silica Code of Practice is so vital to the long-term health and well-being of IOCC and Wabush Mines workers."

Media contact: Vanessa Colman-Sadd, Communications, (709) 729-4860, 682-6593

2006 08 21                                    2:00 p.m.