Greens Creek | health & safety
Hecla tracks a variety of safety performance indicators: injuries, near misses, and equipment damage. Each year, our goal is to reduce safety incidents and improve upon the previous year’s performance. The choice for all employees is clear: when a conflict arises between production and safety, safety should always come first.
extensive and effective training: protecting our workforce
All mine employees receive training that complies with Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) regulations. This training includes an initial 40-hour training program for underground employees, 24 hours for surface employees, and 8 hours of annual refresher training for both. Employees receive ongoing training that is designed to develop skills in performing their assigned tasks in a safe, healthy, and environmentally responsible manner. Safety meetings are held regularly to identify risks and promote a culture of safety in the workplace. Employees are expected to actively participate in identifying and alerting management to potential hazards and unsafe practices. Our top priority remains protecting our workforce and mitigating risks, and we’re committed to the continuous improvement of our health and safety practices.
minimizing exposure risks
In mining and milling metallic ore, exposure to substances which may have an adverse impact on human health is possible. Over the past seven years, Hecla has made significant progress in protecting underground workers from exposure to Diesel Particulate Matter (DPM). At Greens Creek, DPM exposure has been reduced by enhanced ventilation, cleaner engine technology and exhaust filtration, enclosed and environmentally controlled cabs, and the availability of respirators to workers.
mine rescue and emergency response
While we work hard to prevent our mine rescue personnel from being called into action, we’re grateful for their dedication and service. Greens Creek’s competition team is trained to perform under the stress of an emergency. Competing against teams from companies across the country, the Greens Creek Underground Rescue competition team was district champion in 2010; its Surface Rescue team placed third at the 2010 Safety Olympiad in Elko, Nevada.
promoting healthy lifestyles
Our responsibility to ensure a safe workplace extends to providing opportunities for employee wellness. Greens Creek’s wellness program is a combination of mandatory core elements and optional programs that cover education, health interventions, and disease management. Fitness equipment is available at Greens Creek, and financial assistance toward membership to a local fitness club is available to all employees. Health screenings are also provided, and employees are provided with free flu shots.
community health and wellness
Hecla recognizes that we are part of the local community in which we operate. A number of our employees are involved with community health and safety programs. They use skills and training received in the workplace to assist their neighbors in the local community. The occupational health nurse at Greens Creek provided first-aid training to local Boy and Girl Scouts in 2010. Annually, we support the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation golf tournament through participation and donations.
