Dust and Silicosis

Mining and the health and safety issues involved with it have been around long before l started open pit mining in the 70's. Dust is a by-product of open pit mining which must be controlled for the safety and health of all the employees engaged in this occupation. Equipment design, cab filtration systems,dust suppression and personal protective equipment continues to improve over the years due to pressure put on the mining companies from safety advocates.

This continues today as Suncor and other oilsand companies were forced to comply with stricter safety standard around the acceptable levels of silica dust in the air. Suncor had meetings with its employees explaining the dangers of Silicosis and started monitoring dust levels in the Mine and provided dust masks to employees.

I have heard very little follow-up on this issue and it still is a serious problem in the Mine as production always seems to be first. Water trucks are still being parked when operators are needed for haul trucks and l have yet to see a haul road shut down for extreme dust conditions.

I would like to hear of any follow-up on this important health and safety issue.