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By Michele Beacom - 09 September 2024
New CIM conference aims to address current challenges and promote continuous improvement in health and safety practices in mining
CIM’s newest society, the Health and Safety Society, is taking its strong and very popular CIM CONNECT conference stream to the next level with its own dedicated event. Unlike most health and safety conferences, organizers say that this one will focus entirely on advancing safety practices within the mining industry.
The event, which will take place at the Marriott Downtown in Toronto from Oct. 6 to 8, will kick off with a professional development workshop on Sunday afternoon led by Nancy Wilk, certified industrial hygienist. “Assessing occupational exposures to diesel particulate matter in mining” will cover recent changes to regulations on diesel exhaust emissions in underground mines, including new performance standards and occupational exposure limits. It will also discuss risk assessments, compliance challenges and transitioning to more environmentally friendly fuels. Registration for the conference is not required to attend the workshop. A certificate of participation with professional development hours will be granted following the completion of the course.
Day one of the conference will focus on current and leading best practices in health and safety, starting with culture. Mark Cutifani, conference honorary chair and chairman of Vale Base Metals, will set the stage with his Monday morning keynote, “Leadership in safety: A moral obligation or a business imperative?” According to Samantha Espley, conference co-chair, “Mark is going to talk about how each element of ESG [environment, social and governance] is aligned to health and safety. A lot of people think it’s just climate change, but he is going to make the case for why it’s also about the health and safety of workers.”
The Monday morning presentations will focus on the people, added Espley, “the different programs and approaches that mining companies are taking to put topics like psychological safety, mental health and addiction on the table and start talking about them.”
Monday’s afternoon sessions will centre on serious injury and fatality prevention, with several presentations.
Day two will look at health and safety challenges in the future, starting in the morning with culture. Tuesday’s keynote speaker Ann Masse, independent director at Iamgold, will talk about why people are at the heart of a safer and healthier future in mining.
The afternoon’s sessions will pivot to tools and technology. “Presenters will be talking about how you can leverage new tools, AI and systems and use those types of technologies to further enhance health and safety performance,” said Espley.
The conference will serve as a pivotal platform for industry professionals, experts and stakeholders to come together, share insights and explore innovative solutions that enhance health and safety standards in mining operations across Canada.
“Join us as we discuss mining health and safety, with a focus on best practices and future opportunities for achieving zero harm,” said Cutifani.
