20 Aug 2018

The public has been implored the public to take responsibility and accountability for their own safety.

The plea was made by Orapa Letlhakane and Damtshaa Mines general manager Mr Bakani Motlhabani during inter-departmental First Aid competitions in Orapa recently.

First Aid, an initial intervention required to reduce the consequences of emergency occurrences, was an essential life saving skill which all should have at home, work and even at play.

The mining industry, Mr Motlhabani said, was mandated by law, specifically the Mines, Quarries, Works and Machinery Act to ensure that employees acquired First Aid knowledge and skills.

He said the Botswana Chamber of Mines took the legal  requirement seriously hence the establishment of the annual national inter-mines First Aid competitions.

The competitions, he said, gave the mines an opportunity to assess readiness and effectiveness of first aiders in mining operations and to ensure that employees were ready to treat injuries in an event of an accident. 

He said the teams that participated were expected to showcase creativity in re- enactments that should ultimately teach people how to preserve life and prevent aggravation of injuries.

The theme of the day was, “ Preserve life, through preservation.” 

Senior human resources manager, Ms Lydia Sesinyi said the event accorded employees experiential learning platform where experiences could be shared, sharpen knowledge and wisdom by reflecting daily practices regarding safety.

Ms Sesinyi noted that mining industries were prone to accidents that required First Aid application before the arrival of medical assistance.

That, she said, was despite collective efforts by mining entities to achieve zero harm or prevent accidents in the working environment.

In the competitions, Ore processing No 2 plant team scooped position one with 181.3 points followed by Drill and Blasting with 172.7 points while team Security and Damtshaa teams took position three and four with 143.3 points and 132.3 points respectively.

 The teams that scooped the top two positions would represent OLDM at the national inter-mine First Aid competitions to be held in Jwaneng in October, Ms Sesinyi said. ENDS