Abstract:

After years of tracking safety data and understanding what the trends mean, mining companies have begun to adjust their OHS program focus to include industrial hygiene. Developing leading indicators that are meaningful at both a company and site level can create a platform for mining companies to track change, monitor progress, and to measure performance with respect to industrial hygiene program activities. Thus, the question is not “should we measure?”, but “WHAT should we measure and HOW should we track it?”. Our intent is to show how industrial hygiene data can be used to directly influence the development and implementation of effective engineering controls, thereby reducing reliance on respiratory protective equipment and administrative controls, while also reducing the risk of chronic disease. Tracking exposure reductions and material workplace improvements as part of any Industrial hygiene program can be challenging, but if done correctly as part of an integrated operational health and safety effort, it can be a great way to show progress, and more importantly reduce occupational health risks to both the worker and the company. With the use of case studies as well as ideas on WHAT to measure, this presentation will show the mining sector what has been done and how to develop and measure leading indicators for health and hygiene.

Biography of the presenter: This will be a joint presentation by James Crichton, co-founder of Buller Crichton Environmental Inc. and Farah Kassam, Manager of Health and Safety at Lundin Mining. James is a Certified Industrial Hygienist and Registered Occupational Hygienist with 20 years of experience measuring and tracking work place exposures. Farah Kassam has been working in the mining industry for 16 years constantly evolving health and safety with an innovative approach. James and Farah have been working together for years to improve health and safety on mine sites with a particular focus on industrial hygiene and the elimination of chronic disease. From Timmins to Mexico to Sweden these two have spent countless hours on mine sites using leadership and communication to share there message and continually advance health and safety.

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Farah Kassam