16 Oct 2017

Jwaneng Debswana Diamond Mine scooped position one in a fiercely contested Botswana Chamber of Mines (BCM) inter-mine First Aid Competitions in Palapye over the weekend.

Jwaneng mine, who were the defending champions, retained the trophy after beating the host Morupule Coal Mine by one point in the simulation test, walking away with a trophy and P3 000 for individual team members.

Morupule Coal Mine scooped position two walking away with P2 000 for individual team members. Orapa, Letlhakane and Damtshaa mine scooped position three while Karowe got position four.

The Botash team got a consolation prize after failing to qualify for the simulation test stage. Morupule Coal Mine general manager, Mr David Kgoboko said first aid formed an integral part of the safety programme in mines.

Since inception of the competitions, he said BCM has done a good work and continued to do exceptional work.

“However, we shouldn’t be complacent and run the risk of thinking that what has been achieved is enough,” he said.

He urged BCM to consider bench marking with other similar organisations across borders, adding that “you do not consider yourself the best in a class of average performers. We want to be giants in this game.”

Mr Kgoboko further said first aid should not remain in the mine, but should be taken outside the mine by encouraging relevant authorities to promote first aid training.

“If the police are all trained, a lot of lives will be saved as they are usually the first to arrive at the accident scene,” he said.

For his part, Botswana International University of Science and Technology Vice Chancellor, Professor Otlogetswe Totolo said the mining industry was a risky business hence Botswana mines, Quarries, Works and

Machinery Act required all mining houses to provide minimum first aid training and facilities in mines.

He said the mining personnel ought to be competent in applying first aid in the workplace, adding that “first aid gives one vital knowledge and skills needed to respond to a life threatening situation with confidence.”

He commended the mining industry for ensuring that through the yearly first aid competitions, people were reminded of the readiness and ability of the mining personnel to save lives.

He congratulated participants for displaying their first aid skills in mock accidents and simulated dangerous circumstances that confront the mining personnel daily.

He said the skill would also come handy even at homes, cattleposts, ploughing fields, social events and cultural occasions.

Botswana Chamber of Mines initiated the competitions in 1984 after realisation that first aid played a critical role.

The aim of the competitions is to contribute to safety awareness at work, home and along highways, afford participants an opportunity to reinforce their knowledge and skills and promote networking opportunities across all mining houses.ENDS