Teck Resources (TSE:TECK.B) responded to media reports on April 8 of concerns workers may be at risk of contracting covid-19 at active coal operations open in the east Kootenay region of British Columbia.
According to The Globe and Mail, a local resident wrote a letter to Teck’s management and its board on April 5, alleging that the conditions inside the mine have “likely enabled the spread of covid-19 amongst its employees and contractors, their families, and the community at large.”
In an email to MINING.COM, Doug Brown, Teck’s director of public relations said the public health authority in the region has reviewed Teck’s protocols and conducted an on-site audit which confirmed that Teck has put the recommendations from the Province in place.
The BC health authority is satisfied that Teck has put the recommendations from the Province in place and have strong protocols in place
“There have been no covid-19 cases at our mine sites to date, and just this week the Interior Health Authority reviewed Teck’s protocols and conducted an on-site audit,” Robin Sheremeta, Teck’s senior vice president, coal, and Stephen Hunt, director, United Steelworkers, District 3 said in a letter to editors.
Sheremeta and Hunt said the audit confirmed the health authority is “satisfied that Teck has put the recommendations from the Province in place and have strong protocols in place with regards to covid-19.”
While many companies have had to lay off tens of thousands of workers, Teck said it is working to have the necessary precautions in place – following guidance from government and public health agencies – to maintain employment for thousands of Canadians.
(This article has been amended from an earlier version)
4 Comments
Jim malin
How you as a mining journal publish unproven allegations is unbelievable Iam employed at Teck and all of these allegations are untrue don’t you think that you should confirm these allegations in stead of reprinting inconfirmed allegation makes this web sight no better than the national enquiror
Tamra Domolewski
Get your info correct before writing my husband works for Teck and has said they have been taking precautions to keeps employees safe.
They have cut crews down so less employees at the mines at a time, sanitizer everywhere, they all must wear masks is 1 or more person in in vehicle/van/bus. Also if he have the slightest cough or flu like symptom they are telling them to stay home for over 14 days.
Do you know how many hundreds of more people would be out of work and taking money from the government that could be used for others.
Get your facts start your also allowed to quit your job if they believe its unsafe.
Kevin Ostlund
In the past 3 weeks, Teck has gone above and beyond for the safety of their employees at Greenhills.
Jennifer Boesem
I can’t believe you even referenced the narwhal as it is the equivalent to the National Enquirer. You didn’t even ask for a comment from Teck. Teck has gone above and beyond for their employees. It’s very sad you have decided to report on ONE person’s point of view, Especially when the majority of the country is out of work.