The Top 10 Health and Safety Risks in the Surface Diamond Drilling Sector were identified by workers, supervisors, and employers in a risk assessment workshop facilitated by Workplace Safety North, with the support of the Canadian Diamond Drilling Association.
Over the past week, we’ve been spotlighting one risk each week. One risk remains following This week’s focus: 9. Injury from a helicopter (crash, contact with rotating blades).
Helicopter Safety
Helicopter safety is a critical concern in the diamond drilling industry, where helicopters are frequently used to transport crews, equipment, and supplies to remote sites. The risks include crashes, mechanical failures, and serious injuries caused by contact with rotating blades during boarding, unloading, or ground operations. To mitigate these dangers, strict adherence to safety protocols is essential, such as maintaining clear communication between pilots and crews, enforcing no-go zones around tail and main rotors, wearing proper protective equipment, and conducting regular safety briefings. Ongoing training, vigilance, and compliance with aviation and site-specific safety standards are key to ensuring the safe and efficient use of helicopters in drilling operations.
About WSN:
Workplace Safety North (WSN) is a not-for-profit health and safety association funded by the provincial government to provide approved health and safety training and services to the mining and forest products industries. A trusted safety advisor, WSN and its legacy organizations have been helping make workplaces safer since 1915.
As part of WSN, Ontario Mine Rescue (OMR) provides training to mine rescue team members throughout the province to continuously improve the skills and knowledge of mine rescue techniques and procedures. Since its creation in 1929, OMR has established a reputation for excellence in emergency response.
Headquartered in northern Ontario, Workplace Safety North knows the day-to-day realities of Ontario’s resource industries. By including companies in research, risk assessments and root cause analyses, WSN builds and sustains close working relationships that ensure services and information stay relevant. View latest news and free resources.
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