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De Beers’ Canadian Exploration team has once again been recognized for its exemplary safety record. The team has been awarded the 2014 Safe Day Everyday Silver Award for working more than 10,000 hours without a lost time injury for one calendar year by the Association for Mineral Exploration British Columbia (AME BC), in conjunction with the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada (PDAC).  The team has also been recognized for the past four years for operating without a lost workday incident in a calendar year by AME BC.

Safety is always at the forefront as the team faces many hazards in their day-to-day field work, particularly in remote locations. Team members regularly walk through heavy bush, boulder fields, muskeg and rough terrain. Their field seasons are sometimes in snowy and slippery conditions, undertaking work that involves carrying heavy loads of supplies like shovels and sample bags.

Before a project gets underway, there is a thorough risk assessment and safety training for all geologists, contractors and seasonal employees. The Exploration team also has numerous operating procedures, a certified Safety Health and Environment Management System, personal protective equipment, extensive training, and other equipment (satellite phones, radios, Yuma and Garmin GPS devices) carried by all field crews.

Congratulations to the De Beers Exploration Canadian team members on receiving this award, as well as for completing more than five years without a Lost Time Injury in Canada.