Practical guidance to address top hazards
Workplace Safety North recently released a new “Mining Compliance Pulse Check,” designed to help Ontario mining operations manage the top risks facing the sector.
The pulse check provides a snapshot of workplace health and safety trends and compliance findings in Ontario’s mining sector from April 1 to June 30, 2025. The report highlights common safety gaps and offers practical guidance to help workplaces stay compliant with the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) and Regulation 854: Mines and Mining Plants.
Top hazards in the mining industry
The top hazards facing the sector include conveyor guarding; slips, trips, and falls on walkways, stairways, ladderways, and elevated work platforms; machine guarding; and mobile equipment safety. Commonly identified issues include short or missing conveyor guards, obstructed walkways, missing toe-boards on elevated platforms, and incomplete mobile equipment inspections.
The report emphasizes the importance of maintaining safe conditions, training workers, and documenting inspections, repairs, and procedures to prevent injuries.
Checklists and practical guidance
The resource also includes inspection checklists, examples of best practices, and related resources to help employers and joint health and safety committees assess compliance, identity risks, and implement corrective actions.
“The Compliance Pulse Check uses up to date information and is a useful tool for mining operations in Ontario because it highlights areas where workers are most at risk,” says Cindy Schiewek, WSN Executive Director of Health and Safety Services. “This past quarter, risks involving conveyor guards and slip, trip, and fall hazards remain common. We want to get this tool in the hands of the mining sector to help employers proactively identify these potential issues and take preventive action to ensure every worker goes home safe and healthy.”
The Compliance Pulse Check supports Ontario mines in identifying risks early and taking action to protect workers.
For more information, contact your local WSN Health and Safety Specialist.
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Mining Compliance Pulse Check - Workplace Safety North
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