Grande Cache Coal's (GCC) corporate logo features a miners' lamp in recognition of the mining heritage in the Grande Cache community.  This logo also serves as a reminder of GCC's commitment to the safety of all employees and the community in which we operate. GCC's safety policy commitment is to having work performed in a safe manner consistent with efficient operating practices and to developing an awareness and understanding of the responsibility and accountability of each employee for a safe workplace.

GCC has implemented several safety awareness initiatives; training being a key element.  All newly hired employees are required to go through safety orientation. The orientation involves a classroom program that focuses on Health and Safety, accident prevention and emergency response and a mentor/trainee program to assist new employees in their transition period, emphasizing safety and a sharing of operational experiences and professional skills.

GCC makes use of the daily toolbox and monthly safety meetings as a method of safety communication.  Each crew conducts a daily toolbox meeting where employees become involved in matters relating to their own safety, finding solutions to immediate potential hazards and safety issues, as well as building a committed and productive team.

The monthly safety meetings provide a direct method of communication and exchange of information between management, supervision and the shop floor with the steadfast purpose of safety and health by directly involving workers in longer term issues that are important to everyone.

Monitoring equipment is used throughout GCC’s operations to ensure that employees are working in a safe and healthy environment.  Trained surface and underground mine rescue teams are in place at all times to respond to emergencies that may arise.

To develop site specific health and safety policies, procedures and hazard assessment, GCC created a Safe Work Process Team. The team is made up of senior employees, tradesmen and foremen from the plant, underground and the open pit. Overview of the Mines Health and Safety initiatives is the Occupational Health, Safety and Environment (OSHE) committee.  The mandate of this committee is to resolve forward looking safety and environmental concerns and issues brought forward by employees which can not be addressed through the Tool Box process.  The OSHE Committee comprises representatives of the employees and management who meet on a regular basis to deal with health, safety, and environmental issues.  A significant benefit of this committee is the enhancement of cooperation among all parts of the work force toward eliminating health, safety, and environmental issues and to further improve related communications.