Seats blocked off on the BHP coach between Saskatoon and the Jansen Project site - only one person may sit in the clear rows. (Submitted photo/BHP)

By Cam Lee

Jansen Potash Project

BHP reduces staff, increases safety measures amid COVID-19 pandemic

Mar 26, 2020 | 1:45 PM

The potash company behind the Jansen project has announced a number of COVID-19-related health and safety measures.

BHP issued a news release March 26 to announce a range of measures at its Jansen Potash project site south of Melfort.

The release stated the measures are aligned with the province’s emergency measures and the requirements from health authorities in Saskatchewan and Canada.

The measures include split shifts, as to reduce the number of people on-site. There have also been changes to transportation arrangements, meetings, and camp life to highlight social distancing and heightened hygiene measures.

Workers wait in demarcated areas in the cafeteria at the Jansen Project. (Submitted/BHP)

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BHP is reducing activity to focus installing liners in one shaft at a time, with reduced crews. The company said that will help lower the number of contractors and out-of-province workers on-site.

BHP also announced the implementation of a payment program to support First Nations, Métis and local businesses and communities. The company expects the measures to deliver $3 million more quickly to small business partners.

“The health, safety and well-being of our personnel and our communities is our primary concern and we have been implementing measures to reduce the risk of the spread of COVID-19 in our offices and at the Jansen Potash Project site and nearby communities,” Vice-President Operations for BHP Potash Giles Hellyer said in the release.

He said the company can continue to provide some employment and support for the local economy through continuing operations with some reduced on-site activity.

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cam.lee@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @camlee1974