While mandatory masks aren't required at a Timmins mine, it's taking extra steps to protect its staff and contractors.
Newmont Porcupine has temporarily amended its personal protective equipment (PPE) policy and is issuing sealed hygiene masks to all workers.
Today, a mandatory mask or face covering order from the Porcupine Health Unit came into effect. A similar policy also went into effect recently for the Sudbury area, which is the health unit district for the company's Borden site near Chapleau.
According to the policy, employees and contractors working onsite must always carry it, and it's considered mandatory PPE.
"Contractors and visitors will be further screened at the gate to ensure they are carrying a mask. The requirement is that workers don their mask in the event of an emergency in which physical distancing of two metres cannot be maintained," reads a memo from general manager Patrick Chabot.
The memo notes the masks are not for working in close proximity as the site has other controls for that.
"I want to finish by saying that the pandemic continues to be at the forefront of conversations and decisions made at site, while our operation and host communities have fared quite well in recent months, continued diligence is required to reduce the spread, prevent outbreaks and save lives," he said.
