Loud cheers of jubilation nearly brought the house down when it was announced that first place went to the team from Greenhills who will now be going to the provincials in Revelstoke, June 9,2012. Coal Mountain took second place and so they also will be competing in the provincials next month. Coal Mountain and Fording River will also be competing provincially in the First Aid category coming in second and first respectively.
The Dan Dunbar award went to Coal Mountain, Best captain (Jack Peters award) went to Stan Armstrong of Elkview Coal.
Nick Burt, President of the East Kootenay Mines Industrial Safety Association and Mine Manager of TECK Coal, Coal Mountain Operations thanked the spouses and families of the team members, adding that TECK has acquired 3 million man hours without loss to injury.
MC Jim Oakes did a great job of MC putting a lighthearted mood to the awards presentations and congratulating all the competitors.
Ian Kilgour, TECK Coal Senior vice-president said there was a lot of people present that could help a community in need, lots of experience was being lost to turnover and retirement, but that experienced people are mentoring younger ones so that the knowledge doesn’t get lost.
Jerrold Jewsbury Ministry of Mines -Inspector of Mines said that today he had seen lots of sweat and passion, “what we did, we did to go out and help our fellow man to make sure they get home to their families, I see the passion everywhere, this is also my passion, so please lets continue with the young one, they are our legacy”.
Other dignitaries included MP Kootenay Columbia David Wilks, MLA Kootenay East Bill Bennett, Mayor Mary Giuliano, Fernie, Lois Halko- Mayor District of Sparwood, Sharon Frazer, Councillor- District of Sparwood, Dean McKerracher-Mayor District of Elkford, Bill Fleming TECK Coal VP Operations and Engineering, Robin Sheremeta TECK Resources, VP of health and Safety, Garry MacDonald Ministry of Mines, Senior Inspector of mines.
MP Wilkes spoke briefly about the Balmer Mine tragedy years ago that claimed 19 lives pointing out that Councillor Sharon Frazer’s father was one of the ones that lost his life. He said the “dedication shown by the team members is unbelievable, the dedication shown today is the same as shown always by the people who become involved with mine rescue”.
MLA Bennett said that “we are here to honour what you do”, Mayor McKerracher and Halko also spoke briefly.
The awards banquet followed a day of fun, spirited competitions held in Elkford Saturday May 12. These were the 91st competitions to be held. They were hosted by Coal Mountain Operations Linda Bailey and Bernie Palmer challenged the mines to sponsor a junior team offering to train them for free. Palmer pointed out that municipal, provincial and federal government was represented that evening proving how very special mining is to the valley.
Norm Dortman, said grace stating how much talent there was in the room, and that it was a great day with lots to be thankful for. After a delicious meal of prime rib and all the fixings prepared by CP Catering, Heather Weech presented all prize draws that included a 52 inch screen TV, fly fishing gear, travel vouchers and jewelry vouchers and tool kits.
Acting as Mayor of Fernie, I gave the brief history of mine rescue below stating that modern mining has come a long way since the days of pick and shovel and so has Mine Rescue.
“In the beginning mine rescue techniques, training and equipment were very limited and so not very effective.
But 1909 saw the British Columbia Mines Act re- written and it required that every coal mine was to have a self- contained oxygen breathing apparatus. It also mandated training stations maintained by government.
Hosmer was the first Elk Valley station, built in 1909 it was closed in 1913 and a new one built in Fernie. That year 102 miners were issued certificates of competency, 73 of those were trained in Fernie.
The Department of Mines First Aid competition was held in Fernie on July 1, 1915 on the grounds of present City Hall which is the original Crow’s Nest Coal Company Office.
The first Mine Rescue competition in Crow’s Nest was held in Coleman on July 1, 1916.
In 1919 the East Kootenay Mine Safety Association was formed, this led to more regular competitions including international events. Local teams sustained a reputation for winning, one that is still held today.
Practice and showcasing skills are part of competitions but also the teams get to know and learn from one another. This knowledge is vital in real rescue situations.
Today, it is said that Mining is the safest industry.
Worksafe BC says, “The BC mining industry is very proud to be regarded as the safest heavy industry in BC. Since 1993, the BC Mining industry has reduced its injury rate by 50%, to 1.9 injuries per 100 worker-years”.
It is the diligence and commitment to safety reflected by the workers and the company that produces this result.
On behalf of the City of Fernie, sincere Congratulations to Labour, Management and mines inspection branch for this success.
Congratulations to all that participated today and continued success in the future.
Special thanks and congratulations go to Kevin Rookes and his team for organizing a great event.”
