Ekati’s food containers are subject of health complaints

A health inspection has raised concerns about the use of reusable plastic food containers at the Ekati diamond mine.

One former worker says it’s an example of broader workplace safety issues at Ekati, while the mine’s owner says it prioritizes the health, safety and well-being of employees.

An anonymous complainant told Cabin Radio that since the mine replaced disposable takeaway food containers with reusable plastic ones, “the majority of the workforce” has raised concerns that the containers are not being washed or dried properly.

Along with wear and tear, the complainant alleged improper sanitization had resulted in mould, bacteria and an increased risk of food-borne illness – issues they said were highlighted in a health inspection report that was not made public.

“Despite our repeated concerns over the past few months, management has recently instructed the individuals who raised the issue to cease discussing it, stating that no changes would be made,” the complainant wrote.

“Since implementation, workers have been falling ill more frequently with ‘food poisoning’ or short-term gastro illnesses, which is unlikely to be a coincidence.”

The NWT’s Department of Health and Social Services confirmed that during a routine health inspection at Ekati on July 16, 2024, a territorial environmental health officer observed some reusable plastic food containers were “worn out,” making them difficult to clean.

The department said that’s a concern as scratches can harbour bacteria, potentially leading to food contamination and food-borne illnesses.

The environmental health officer recommended that the mine use an alternative product, such as compostable paper plates, or replace the reusable containers when they become worn out.

Container program intended to reduce waste

In a statement to Cabin Radio, Burgundy Diamond Mines, which owns and operates Ekati, said it introduced a trial reusable food container program in May 2024, in an effort to reduce waste and the mine’s carbon footprint.

Burgundy said the program reduced landfill waste by more than 12,487 kg and incinerator waste by 2,844 kg between June and October 2024, compared to the same period in 2023.

The company stated it “always prioritizes the health and safety” of employees and has implemented several processes to “ensure high-standard hygiene standards are being met.”

Burgundy said that includes cleaning the reusable containers at temperatures exceeding 79.4C, immediately replacing containers that are “leaky” or have damaged seals, and using containers that are BPA-free as well as safe for dishwashers, freezers and microwaves.

“Burgundy is committed to minimizing its environmental impact and continuously improving its waste management strategies,” the company stated.

“We value all feedback from employees, contractors, visitors and health inspectors as we continue to improve all our work practices.”

Inspection report not published

The Union of Northern Workers said it “has not received a satisfactory response from management” at Ekati regarding concerns about the reusable containers.

The Department of Health and Social Services said if the operator does not address the concern by replacing the worn-out reusable containers or switching to another product, “further action may be taken” including education on food safety, a public health order, or a fine.

The union said it is also still seeking a full copy of the health inspection report.

“The union always tries to work with the employer on any concerns related to the health and safety of our members,” said Johnny McKinney, regional vice president of the union’s Kimberlite region – which includes Local 3050, which represents union members at Ekati – in a statement.

“We are hoping a review of the requested report will allow us to better understand this issue, and any other concerns that may have been raised by the report.”

While the NWT government said it publishes the results of inspections of regulated food establishments once they are complete, its food inspection webpage was last updated in May 2024. In December, the department told NNSL it was in the process of building a new website for its inspection reports.

Following publication of this article, the health department shared a slightly redacted copy of the 2024 inspection report of Ekati’s cafeteria with Cabin Radio.

It largely detailed positive findings but highlighted sealing deficiencies with two display cooler units and that two wooden cutting boards had grooves, scratches and pits that could harbour bacteria, among some other issues.

Concerns not taken seriously, former worker alleges

Mike Critch, a former regional vice president of the Union of Northern Worker’s Kimberlite region, said the reusable container issue is emblematic of wider workplace safety issues at the mine.

He said he stopped working at Ekati in November due in part to safety concerns, adding he was “mentally and physically exhausted” from trying to help other workers as a union representative.

“Management doesn’t respond to the union’s concerns,” he said.

“They say, ‘Oh yeah, we’re on it, we’re on top of it,’ but they’re very slow to respond, they’re very slow to address the issues that are raised.

“They’ll say whatever it takes to make it sound like they’re doing the best they can to address it when in actual fact, at the mine site … at times they’re brushing off the concerns and making them seem like they’re not as serious as they actually are.”

Critch pointed to concerns expressed by some workers in October 2024 that management was not doing enough to address potential benzene exposure at the mine. Burgundy told Cabin Radio at the time that it was “proactively taking measures” to protect workers.

Critch said he worked at Ekati for more than three years as a haul truck operator and drill operator. He alleged he witnessed “substandard” mechanical repairs among other safety issues that he said were not taken seriously.

“The majority of mining environments, you feel comfortable speaking to management and your supervisors and stuff like that and reporting maintenance issues,” he said.

“I felt like, at Ekati, speaking to the management supervisor and even the maintenance team, they make you feel as if, ‘Oh no, that’s OK, it’s safe to drive.’ And then if you dispute that, then it creates a lot of tension.”

Critch said that created “a very uncomfortable” work environment where employees were afraid to speak up about safety concerns.

“It’s not a good place to work,” he said.

Critch said if workplace safety issues aren’t adequately addressed, he worries it could result in someone being seriously injured or killed.

“They need to consult their workforce more and listen to their workers,” he said.

Company says it’s ‘unwavering’ in commitment to safety

In a statement to Cabin Radio, Burgundy said it is “dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of safety and environmental responsibility.”

“Burgundy is unwavering in our commitment to conducting our work in a manner that prioritizes the health, safety and well-being of our employees, as well as the protection of the environment,” it said.

“Our commitment to human health, safety and the environment remains our top priority, and we will continue to work diligently to uphold these values within our operations.”

The company said it has established “multiple accessible channels” where employees can report issues directly and securely.

Burgundy said, for example, that workers have regular access to supervisors and mine leadership during daily safe shift meetings, weekly safety meetings and “welcome back to site” sessions. The company added the mine has an occupational health and safety committee and a whistleblower hotline.

“We encourage our employees to utilize these resources, ensuring their voices are heard and that we can continue to foster a culture of safety and accountability,” the company stated.

Correction: January 14, 2025 – 9:56 MT: This article initially misstated Johnny McKinney’s title and Mike Critch’s former title with the Union of Northern Workers. McKinney is and Critch was formerly regional vice president of the union’s Kimberlite region, not regional vice president of Local 3050, which is a local within the region.