Quinsam Coal

Innovative Practice/Initiative: Training & Safety

Organisation Profile 

With 2011 marking its 24th year in business and approximately 150 people on its payroll, Quinsam Coal Corporation is a key employer in Campbell River, B.C. It is, moreover, one of only two underground coal-mines in Canada. While Quinsam isn't currently undertaking a specific, large-scale HR initiative, it has continually strived to apply best practices in areas such as hiring, training, safety and diversity — practices that over the years have helped equip the company with the human resources needed to meet the challenges of an aging workforce and senior-level attrition.  

The Organization's HR Initiative

Quinsam invests heavily in training. Its intensive program begins with two weeks of classroom instruction that focuses on survival mine rescue and maintaining personal and team safety. The next phase of the program includes four to six weeks of underground training. Following that, candidates undergo on-the-job training where they work alongside more experienced employees. At approximately the six-month mark, the trainees become general miners. 

Their training, meanwhile, continues. They go back into the classroom for a day, where they're tested on their knowledge and are instructed on crucial topics such as gases, ventilation, firefighting, and general life-saving.

This is followed by more on-the-job training, then another day in the classroom, this time with Quinsam's geologist. The geologist provides instruction in areas related to ground control, room and pillar, and how to identify and mine faults. 

As the training and instruction would suggest, safety is a number-one priority for Quinsam. In fact, the company is planning to revamp its current safety program and replace it with Courageous Safety Leadership, an industry-recognized set of best practices that advocates individual ownership of safety. 

Although learning is an ongoing process at Quinsam the majority of formal training is considered complete at about a year, at which time a general miner becomes a face miner. Then, if interested and if deemed a suitable candidate, the face miner might train to become a continuous miner operator. 

Quinsam also has in place a four-year trades apprentice program. The company usually has four apprentices (2 electrician apprentices and 2 millwright or heavy duty mechanics) in the program.

The company encourages ethnic and gender diversity, collaborating with First Nations communities to communicate employment opportunities, and taking on staff two female tradespeople, a welder and a heavy duty mechanic.

As well, working closely with union representatives, the company offers comprehensive support for employees struggling with substance abuse. The program provides a full assessment and ongoing support and assistance which includes a treatment program and two years of monitoring. Quinsam works closely with the employee, monitor, union and employee to aid in recovery. 

As a major local employer, Quinsam recognizes the importance of hiring local people and, in particular, giving young people opportunities for professional development and advancement. The company focuses on hiring locally wherever possible and, as indicated by the aforementioned training and apprenticeship programs, endeavours to develop and promote talent from within. Overall, the company works to foster a culture of social responsibility where, in the words of Marilyn Klotz, Manager of Human Resources, "we take the time to teach young people not only to become skilled workers but to be responsible employees". 

Evidence of Impacts

Quinsam's investment in its people has paid off in a low turnover rate. With regard to apprentices, for example, the company has lost only one, who left to work elsewhere. Its apprentice positions, as might be expected, are highly sought-after.

Finally, by focusing on training and promoting within — rather than hiring outside expertise — Quinsam now sees itself as better-positioned to meet the labour challenges faced across the mining industry. The company has made a significant number of new hires in recent years, and now those 'new hires' are highly trained employees who have the skills and knowledge to help ensure the company's continued well-being.