Garson Mine workers celebrate 2005 safety award.

• Author: Louiseize, Kelly
• Position: Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum honors Inco's Garson Mine

Achievement lies not so much in reaching the destination, but the journey in getting there.

Along the road minds shift and old habits die off, while healthier practices are adopted. It takes hard work and energy to revise ingrained patterns. When it comes to safety practices, Inco's Garson Mine is staking out a leadership role by establishing positive safety practices for more than 200 workers.

With 574-injury-free days, Garson Mine has been recognized as Canada's safest metal mine for 2005 by the Canadian Institute of Mining Metallurgy and Petroleum (CIM). Garson Mine also won the trophy in 1945.

Management and workers were spotlighted at CIM's 108th annual conference and exhibition held in Vancouver with the national John T. Ryan Trophy. Their close to "zero" reportable injuries record and their lowest lost time accident rate for 2005 made them a prime candidate for the trophy which is emblematic of safety leadership.

Every year Inco asks their foremen, superintendents and managers from every plant to develop a daily, weekly and monthly safety strategy that is aligned with company standards.

Each plant assesses their priorities through monthly meetings where "all levels of management are responsible for following the plan," Terry Cholewinsky former 2005 Garson Mine superintendent says.

Group leadership is key to attaining the goal, he says.

"A lot of things have to come together. There has to be a will and a belief that this can be accomplished and the employees all have to work hard to accomplish this."

Achievement came in small increments for Garson Mine. When workers attained a three-month, then a six-month goal without any disabling injuries managers celebrated their success. Suggestions and recommendations were welcomed regardless of worker status.

"If it means shutting down mine production to correct a deficiency, then that is what is done," he says.

"The guys report everything."

Everyone working at the mine is measured by what is called a disabling injury, an incident, which prevents a person from showing up for the next scheduled shift to perform normal duties.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Risk assessment cards outlining the proper health and safety practices for potentially hazardous situation is carried around by mine workers at all times. This laminated piece of paper fits snugly into a pocket of each worker and can be pulled out for referral at a moment's notice. This helps reinforce good safety practices, Cholewinsky says.

What is...