125 Years of Safety

The University of British Columbia’s mine rescue club | Courtesy of UBC Mine Rescue
A look back at a few key developments in the history of mining safety, in Canada and abroad

One hundred years of safety 
Celebrating the centenary of one of the most essential pieces of safety equipment 

The strike that saved lives 
2024 will mark the 50th anniversary of the Elliot Lake wildcat walkout 

Know no fear 
How miners can collect the necessary data to prevent deaths 

Who brought the canary into the coal mine? 
“Mine canaries” and their unique role in 19th and 20th century mining operations
 

Remembering Westray 
Disastrous 1992 Nova Scotia mine explosion spurred legislative changes that critics argue need to be better enforced.
 

More CIM Magazine safety stories > 

Snapshots from the CIM Bulletin 

Mine rescue crews at Frood mine. Shows also the mine rescue car, and a fire truck for underground use. 1935

Mine rescue station at the Consolidated Mining and Smelting COmpany of Canada, Limited’s Sullivan mine. 1937 

A re-enactment of a serious accident at the Canadian Johns-Manville property. 1938

 

A safety bingo card based on the Company Safety Rule Book, part of the Accident Prevention Program at Consolidated Discovery Yellowknife Mines Ltd. Four Bingos were played each month. The prizes were: $25 for first, $20 for second, $15 for third and $10 for fourth. 1962 

“Diamonds in the Rough” team coach Kari Lentowicz, left, began talking about an all-female mine rescue team more than 10 years ago. Team member Naomi Fugle, right, was invited to join last fall. Photo courtesy of Kari Lentowicz 

Read the whole story 

Scroll to Top