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 next 10 weeks, we’re spotlighting one risk each week.
This week’s focus: #6: Repetitive work resulting in injury(rod and tube handling, repetitive motion)
Why It Matters:
Repetitive tasks such as rod and tube handling can cause strain on a worker’s muscles, joints, and tendons. Over time, this can lead to repetitive strain injuries (RSIs), and chronic pain that may impact an individual’s long-term health and ability to work. In the diamond drilling industry, where physical strength and endurance are vital, these injuries can result in lost time, reduced productivity, and long-term disability if not addressed.
What Can Be Done:
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Ergonomic Practices: Encourage workers to use proper lifting techniques and rotate tasks where possible to minimize repetitive strain.
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Mechanical Aids: Utilize rod handlers, lifters, or assistive devices to reduce the physical burden of manual handling.
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Rest & Recovery: Ensure workers take regular breaks and perform stretching exercises to relieve tension and prevent fatigue.
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Training & Awareness: Provide education on the early signs of repetitive strain injuries and emphasize the importance of reporting symptoms before they become severe.
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Workplace Design: Adjust workstations and tool layout to reduce awkward postures and unnecessary repetitive movements.
By implementing proactive measures, companies can help safeguard workers’ health, reduce lost-time incidents, and foster a safer, more sustainable working environment.
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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