The Canadian coal industry places a high priority on safety training and on creating a safe working environment for its employees.
Operators run the heavy equipment that recovers, loads and transports coal.
Where coal processing is necessary, specialized operators working in automated control rooms and on the plant floor, will monitor, maintain, and adjust equipment associated with coal crushing, washing, drying and train-loading operations. Skilled tradespeople are essential to the smooth operation of a mine. The coal industry often works with colleges to provide apprenticeship experience for these valued employees. Mine supervisory positions have traditionally been filled by operators or tradespeople who have risen through the ranks because of their special leadership and management skills. Senior mine management positions are now held almost exclusively by graduates of technical schools or universities.