Saskatchewan Mining Association and Saskatchewan Polytechnic launch contractor safety training program


Partnership to create common provincial training standards for contractors at SMA sites


March 16, 2015 - Today, the Saskatchewan Mining Association (SMA) and Saskatchewan Polytechnic announced the Standardized Contractor Safety Training program.  The program will be coordinated through Saskatchewan Polytechnic's Centre for Minerals Innovation (CMI).  It will establish common provincial training standards for all contractors working at SMA member companies.

"For contractors, this will mean one set of training standards reducing repetitive training, saving time and facilitating mobility between SMA member sites," said Cristal Glass-Painchaud, Saskatchewan Polytechnic director of the Centre for Minerals Innovation.

Pam Schwann, SMA executive director, indicated that the SMA Safety Committee has been exploring ways to improve contractor safety performance for a number of years.  "For SMA member companies, the Standardized Contractor Safety Program will provide assurance that all contractors working at sites will consistently have the knowledge and training to provide safe work," said Schwann. "We are very pleased that Saskatchewan Polytechnic has agreed to be our partner on this important project."

Initial offerings available for registration April 1 include WHMIS and general mine safety.  Additional courses such as confined space entry, fall protection, hoisting and rigging safety among others will be rolled out as they become available.  The CMI is working with regional colleges and approved third-party training providers to ensure that the standardized training is available throughout Saskatchewan.  Contractors interested in the program can visit saskpolytech.ca/cmi or call the CMI at 306-659-6968 for more information.

The CMI is an operational unit within Saskatchewan Polytechnic that works with mining and minerals stakeholders through developing and sharing resources, facilitating access to leading-edge educational services, providing and supporting high quality training programs, and facilitating opportunities for innovation through applied research partnerships.

The Saskatchewan Mining Association (SMA) is the voice of the mining industry in Saskatchewan. The association represents and supports a safe, responsible and growing Saskatchewan mining industry.

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