Updated Operations of Mines Regulation
See the updated Regulation and associated resources below!
NEWS RELEASE - The province has taken another step to make workplaces safer in Manitoba by strengthening protection for mine workers through an updated Operations of Mines Regulation.
"Our government has been committed to safety and health in Manitoba and to ensure the most modern safety and health approaches are being used to keep Manitobans safe in their workplaces," said Minister Jennifer Howard. "The updated mines regulation provides clearer direction for employers and workers and will help to build on the success we've experienced in reducing our injury rate by over 40 per cent since 2000."
The minister noted the modernization started with comprehensive changes to the Workplace Safety and Health Act in 2002, followed by a new Workplace Safety and Health Regulation in 2007. In addition, the number of safety and health officers hired to work across the province has doubled since 1999.
Changes to the mines regulation were developed after an extensive review and consultation process conducted by the mines standing committee under the Minister's Advisory Council on Workplace Safety and Health including employer and employee representatives from the mining industry.
"Manitoba's mining industry is an important contributor to the provincial economy and it is important to provide a safe environment for those who work in this physically demanding occupation," said Ed Huebert, executive vice-president, Mining Association of Manitoba. "These changes in regulations reflect input provided by industry to improve protection for mine workers."
The regulation addresses recommendations from the 2008 judicial inquest report on the fatal smelter explosion at Hudson Bay Mining and Smelting in 2000 and other recommendations identified through consultation with stakeholders including: