07 Jul 2019

The minister of Mineral Resources, Green Technology and Energy Security, Mr Eric Molale says BCL Mine had four minor injuries since the mine was place into liquidation.

Answering a question in Parliament asked by the MP for Selebi Phikwe West, Mr Dithapelo Keorapetse, Mr Molale indicated that during pre- liquidation, only 14 ex-employees were injured and they continued to receive medical attention from government hospitals.

Mr Molale noted that the exit medical examinations done at BCL Hospital were those specific to the mine where there was exposure to noise, chemicals, heat, extreme light conditions and dust.

He added that chest x-rays, vision screening, lung function, hearing, urine analysis, blood pressure, pulse, weight, height and physical exam were tests done at the hospital.

 Mr Molale said underground and plant personnel go through pre-employment and annual medical examinations while other surface employees were tested every two years.

Furthermore, he said in 2016 four doctors assisted by two occupational health practitioners attended 60 employees per day and medical examinations were scheduled between October and mid-December for all employees who had not had an exam in six months.

In 2018, minister Molale said 20 employees were attended by three doctors per day for the same tests. He said the liquidator did not conduct examinations on those employees who had been examined within six months of termination date.

Mr Molale added that BCL had two cases of hearing loss pre and post-liquidation whose forms had not been submitted to Labour for compensation. He said the hospital has an Occupational Health Department whose equipment was serviced annually.

Mr Keorapetse had asked the minister to give an update on the occupational health safety of BCL Mine and explain the medical examinations done after closure of the BCL Mine. ENDS