Safety at the heart of mining exploration – Allkem
About 130 km from the Cree Nation community of Eastmain, the mining exploration project of Galaxy Lithium Canada, a subsidiary of Allkem Limited, is in operation.
The team has put in place safety measures and emergency protocols to ensure that operations run smoothly. The objective remains the protection of all workers on site.
Airmedic, an air medical transport service company, remains ready to intervene in the event of an emergency. In this way, the team can quickly initiate medical evacuation or repatriation. Thanks to the collaboration of our partners, the health and safety of our employees, contractors and visitors is assured.
The reality of mining exploration teams and the health and safety measures in place
During the mining exploration phase, a dozen drillers work non-stop, day and night. The geographical conditions and risks associated with the mining industry make the work particularly demanding.
Drilling takes place in winter at temperatures approaching -50°C. The cold represents a major risk, leading to hypothermia and dehydration.
Efficient transportation is also essential for the safety of employees and subcontractors in the field. Geologists, drillers, nurses and health and safety coordinators all play a key role in this context.
Assess risks and establish emergency measures
Prior to each operation, risks are carefully assessed so that emergency measures can be put in place. Contractors and specialists work together to establish a detailed hazard register. The team analyzes each activity, classifies it and associates appropriate control measures. The aim is to reduce or eliminate risks.
In addition, prevention is the golden rule to avoid accidents.
Minimum safety standards in mining exploration
Minimum requirements are governed by the Quebec Regulation respecting minimum standards of first aid and first aid.
The health and safety team uses these regulations to determine the medical resources and equipment needed on site.
The team also provides the necessary means of transport in the event of evacuation. On site, it uses snowmobiles with sleds and all-terrain vehicles to move around the site. A first-aid vehicle is also available.
Airmedic’s key role in emergencies
According to Jean-Benoit Gauthier, health and safety manager for Allkem:
“Emergency evacuation by Airmedic is an integral part of the emergency plan. With the information provided by the nurse on site, the Airmedic coordination center selects the means of transport best suited to the patient’s situation. Depending on the situation, helicopters, medical aircraft or land ambulances may be deployed.
He continues :
“Air transport is essential for our site. When an emergency occurs and evacuation is necessary, every minute counts. Thanks to Airmedic, the team reduces transport times and administers care with highly qualified personnel.”
Simulations and emergency exercises
Every month, the team organizes an emergency simulation to prepare employees for all situations.
In the field, Mathieu Barron, a nurse deployed by SIRIUSMEDx, plays an active role in developing emergency procedures. Indeed, his role goes beyond simple clinical management. He also looks after the psychological and physical health of the workers. On a 14-day rotation, he and his colleague will be taking turns with administrative and clinical tasks in the field.
Mathieu, responsible for contacting the appropriate resources during an emergency, simulated an emergency exercise in collaboration with the Airmedic coordination center. In real time, both teams reviewed the process and steps of their protocol. In addition, this type of simulation enhances employees’ skills, confidence and reflexes, while reinforcing and framing emergency communications protocols.
According to Mathieu Barron, a nurse at SIRIUSMEDx :
“It’s different from a regular emergency call. The dispatch team took the time to analyze the situation and choose the optimal transport. For my part, I passed on the medical information that enabled us to make an informed decision.”
“I was surprised by the nature of the questions, which were more situational than medical. That’s why it’s impressive to see the organization behind each intervention. This is no small decision. The incredible process behind it surprised me,” he adds.
The benefits of simulation exercises
Tabletop simulations help all players to be better prepared. Among other things, they help them to :
- A better understanding of each player’s process;
- Know the information required for deployment;
- Ask the right questions;
- Develop trust and affinity with employees in the field.
“I really benefited from this type of exercise. I felt supported, listened to and involved in the decision-making process. Indeed, you get the feeling that the Airmedic team takes it seriously. Information flows quickly and decisions are made efficiently”, he adds.
Finally, these emergency measures guarantee a safe working environment for employees, visitors and suppliers. Collaboration between departments is essential to their smooth operation.
