Yukon Workers’ Compensation Health and Safety Board (YWCHSB)

The Yukon placer mining industry is a unique industry, primarily composed of family-operated businesses with fewer than four employees.

Placer operations range in size from single operators to around 30 people on site. In 2007, there were 107 active mines and 24 placer exploration projects in the Yukon. Over 75 per cent of the placer operations are situated outside Dawson City, with some operations also in Mayo, Haines Junction and near Whitehorse.

Until recently, few resources were available or developed specifically for the placer miner industry.  Recent changes in legislation, regulations and increased liability require that placer miners become informed on what these changes mean to their operations and have a clear understanding of the liabilities and their responsibilities.

As such, the KPMA, in cooperation with the YWCHSB, sought funding and has developed a safety program to help educate and improve the level of safety on our work sites within the placer industry in the Yukon.

Please contact the KPMA for a copy of this newly-developed safety program.