The Canadian Diamond Drilling Association (CDDA) is issuing this Safety Alert as a timely reminder for crews working during Canada’s winter season. During a surface diamond drilling risk assessment workshop facilitated by Workplace Safety North with support from the CDDA, workers, supervisors, and employers identified “worker drilling on ice cover” as one of the top three risks in surface drilling, due to hazards including drowning, hypothermia, and rapidly changing weather conditions.
Why It Matters:
Drilling operations on ice-covered surfaces pose unique and potentially life-threatening hazards. Ice conditions can be unpredictable, affected by temperature fluctuations, water currents, and snow cover. Workers risk falling through weak or unstable ice, leading to drowning or severe hypothermia. Exposure to extreme cold, high winds, and rapidly changing weather conditions also increases the risk of frostbite, impaired decision-making, and other cold-related injuries.
Even experienced crews can be caught off guard if weather conditions deteriorate quickly or if ice assessments are overlooked.
What Can Be Done:
Mitigating the risks associated with ice cover requires thorough planning, equipment readiness, and real-time awareness:
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Pre-Drill Ice Assessment: Conduct ice thickness and stability tests before moving equipment or personnel onto the surface. Follow established safety thresholds (e.g., minimum thickness for foot traffic and machinery).
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Weather Monitoring: Monitor forecasts closely and have a clear plan for halting operations during storms, high winds, or extreme cold snaps.
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Cold Weather PPE: Ensure all crew members are equipped with proper thermal PPE, including floatation gear where applicable.
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Emergency Preparedness: Equip the site with life-saving gear and train workers in cold-water rescue protocols.
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Limit Exposure: Rotate crews frequently and provide warm-up breaks to prevent cold stress and fatigue.
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Communication: Maintain reliable communication systems to issue alerts and coordinate emergency response if needed.
The CDDA remains committed to promoting safety, sustainability, and environmental stewardship across the diamond drilling industry. By planning carefully, following established procedures, and looking out for one another, especially during winter operations on ice, crews can reduce risk and help ensure everyone returns home safely at the end of each shift. We thank our members for their continued commitment to promoting safety and standards in the industry.
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