Teck’s focus in ensuring the health and safety of its employees and communities while maintaining employment and economic activity to the extent possible, is appreciated in the Elk Valley. Unfortunately Covid-19 is a challenge to mitigate. Teck employs up to 4,000 people at its Fording River, Greenhills, Elkview and Line Creek mines and without these jobs the Elk Valley would be facing a serious economic collapse.
Teck sent out a news release earlier today on their current Covid-19 cases:
“In response to recent positive cases of COVID-19 at two steelmaking coal operations and a construction project in the Elk Valley, Teck has implemented enhanced response protocols and preventative measures to safeguard workers and local communities.
In addition, an on-site review of Fording River Operations and the water treatment facility construction site conducted last week by Interior Health confirmed Teck is taking the correct steps to manage transmission of COVID-19.
Enhanced response protocols and preventative measures include:
– Mandatory use of C95 or KN95 respirators in indoor settings and workspaces for all employees,
contractors and visitors
– Implementing enhanced and increased screening of all individuals arriving at site to reflect current
provincial health restrictions
– Temporarily reducing the workforce at the Active Water Treatment facility construction site
– Reduced occupancy of the Elk Valley Lodge contractor housing facility
– Implementing proactive self-tracking of interactions and close contacts by all employees and
contractors
– These additional measures build on existing protocols and measures already in place at Teck’s
sites
There are currently 7 active cases of COVID-19 at Fording River Operations, 4 active cases at Elkview Operations, and 14 active cases at the Active Water Treatment Facility construction project adjacent to Fording River Operations. These results relate to testing that took place between November 30 and December 12.
Teck is working closely with public health authorities and has taken all necessary steps to manage the risk of transmission, including tracing all potential contacts, disinfecting work areas, and directing all employees and contractors to self-monitor for symptoms and self-isolate if required.
More information about Teck’s response protocols and preventative measures, as well as the current COVID-19 case status for the steelmaking coal operations can be found at www.teck.com/coalresponse.”
Thank you Teck for your commitment to health, safety and the economy.
