Mine Rescue and First Aid Competition heats up Smithers

— Photo courtesy BC Government

After an intense and energetic competition, seven dedicated teams claimed victory at the 59th annual Mine Rescue and First Aid Competition in Smithers.

Mine enthusiasts, family and friends gathered in Smithers on Saturday June 7th to watch nine mine rescue and eight first aid teams challenged by rope rescue rigging, complex industrial hazards and dynamic smoke and fire tasks. Teams are comprised of those working at B.C. mines with backgrounds in firefighting, emergency response and high-angle rescue, and often also lend their rescue expertise to their local communities.

The competition is divided into three categories: Surface, Underground and Three Person First Aid and features life-like simulations that test skills in firefighting, first aid, rope rescue, extrication and general mine rescue knowledge.

The Mutual Aid Scramble returned for its second year as a part of the competition, mixing the teams in a trial designed to test teamwork and co-operation. The ability to adapt to working together is important if mining emergency responders are called to provide a multiple resource rescue effort. The winning team captained by Delainy Barry, Peace River Coal, consisted of members from Highland Valley Copper, New Gold Inc. New Afton, Huckleberry Mines, Greenhills Operations, Quinsam Coal Corporation.

Major Category Competition Winners:

Three Person First Aid – Huckleberry Mines

Surface Mine Rescue –  Gibraltar Mines, Elkview Operations, Highland Valley Copper   

Underground Mine Rescue – Quinsam Coal, New Gold Inc. New Afton, Nystar-Myra Falls

This annual competition highlights the industry’s commitment to health and safety best practices. It also ensures B.C. mines have consistent standards of training and procedures so that they may provide assistance to one another in the event of an emergency. A complete list of the winners follows.

Quote: Bill Bennett, Minister of Energy and Mines and Minister Responsible for Core Review

“Congratulations to the hardworking participants in this year’s mine rescue competition. Your skills and dedication demonstrated this weekend are an example of the high safety standards for mining operations in B.C. Your commitment is something we can all be proud of. ”

Quick Facts:

• Mine rescue has existed in B.C. to assist in mine emergencies since 1909. The Province held the first mine rescue competition in 1915.
• Under the Health, Safety and Reclamation Code for Mines in B.C., all mines are required to provide emergency response capability. This requirement has made the B.C. mining industry a worldwide model for the implementation of health and safety practices.
• According to WorkSafeBC, in 2012 B.C. mines had an estimated injury rate of approximately 1.4 injury claims per 100 person years worked.
• The mining industry’s injury rates are lower than forestry, food and beverage products, metal and non-metallic mineral products, general and heavy construction, warehousing and transportation.
• In 2012, more than 30,000 people were employed in mining, mineral exploration, and related sectors.
• In 2001, the average mining salary plus benefits was $81,000. In 2012, it was $121,000.

Learn More about the Mine Rescue Competition.