refuge de secours cabine de survie ventilation souterrain mine tunnel subroca

Union Jobs Mean Safer Work for Everyone

IBEW, Industry News
Posted on July 25, 2025 8:48 am

 

Recently, workers at the Red Chris mine were rescued after a serious incident. While everyone is thankful they are now safe, it is an important reminder that safety on the job is not something to take for granted. When workers go to work, they deserve to know they will come home to their families at the end of the day.

Work in mines, mills, or construction that is typically considered “industrial” can be dangerous. The men and women that get up to work every day aren’t seeking danger. On the vast majority of job sites, there is a strong commitment to safety for a variety of reasons.

"The mine collapse that trapped these workers was a horrible accident," Jim Bicknell, Business Manager of IBEW 993 stated, "but having an available refuge chamber in place was part of a safety plan."

From the accident at the Red Chris mine we learned that the three workers trapped underground for over 60 hours were in a refuge chamber with access to food, water, and ventilation. Accidents like this are a good wake-up call to perform a safety audit to ensure that every emergency situation is part of the overall safety plan.

One of the biggest advantages of belonging to a union like IBEW 993 is safer workplaces. Union members do not just earn good wages and benefits. They also have a strong voice in making sure safety standards are followed. Studies in Canada have shown that unionized workplaces have fewer injuries and a stronger culture of safety compared to non-union sites.

Why Union Jobs Are Safer

  1. Worker Representation
    Union members have a voice with a hierarchy of union representation in place so that safety concerns can be reported and directed to the proper authority. When every worker is represented by a union, threats and retribution for speaking up are removed.
  2. Training and Certification
    IBEW 993 members receive ongoing training in first aid, fall protection, confined space entry, and other safety programs. This helps ensure that workers are prepared to handle hazards before accidents happen.
  3. Enforcing Safety Laws
    Unions help make sure employers follow provincial and federal safety regulations. When violations occur, unions have the ability to file grievances or involve regulators to protect their members.
  4. Collective Action
    When workers stand together, they can demand proper equipment, safe work procedures, and regular inspections. This collective strength improves safety for everyone on the job site.

A Commitment to Every Worker

IBEW 993 remains committed to ensuring that our members, and all workers in our industry, are safe on the job. The Red Chris rescue reminds us that strong safety practices save lives. By supporting union representation, we can help create safer jobs across British Columbia and beyond.

Information Sources