Modern Mining May 2024

HEALTH AND SAFETY

Safety first, innovation always as BME maintains zero case rate

BME’s zero recordable case rate (RCR) for 2023 marks the best safety record for the company in a decade, demonstrating the value of its ‘Safety for Life’ initiative.

A longside the mining and blasting indus try’s focus on productivity, efficiency and innovation, Omnia Group member BME prioritises safety in the pursuit of advance ment. According to Ramesh Dhoorgapersadh, BME General Manager for Global Operational Excellence and SHERQ, the company considers safety in every thing it does, understanding this is critical in the mining sector. “Over the past 10 years, we have woven safety into our operations and product development, driven by a culture that places emphasis on the wellbeing of its employees,” says Dhoorgapersadh. “Achieving a zero RCR, which is a measure of workplace incidents resulting in injury or illness, is evidence of BME’s robust safety culture and protocols.” By implementing a series of strategic safety interventions including visible felt leadership, pro cess safety enhancements and medical surveillance programmes, BME has set a new performance benchmark for itself, he explains. The company’s management commitment is to provide the means and ability to all employees to deliver their tasks safely, and with no impact to any stakeholder or the environment in which it operates. “Our zero RCR is the result of a concerted effort that blends sound policies with practical, everyday

Ramesh Dhoorgapersadh, BME General Manager for Global Operational Excellence and SHERQ. actions,” he says. “BME believes that that safety and operational excellence can go hand in hand. By embedding a safety-first culture that resonates at all levels of the organisation, we have been able to meet and exceed the stringent safety standards expected by our clients globally.” BME’s proactive approach extends beyond the health and safety of its workforce, encompassing a holistic view that includes environmental safety considerations. To reduce its impact on the environment, the

BME weaves safety into its operations and product development.

company is exploring new strate gies, technologies and partnerships to offer improved safety and envi ronmental advantages. In 2023, BME formed a strategic partnership with Swedish-based Hypex Bio, which has pioneered ammonia-nitrate free emulsions. This results in a 90% reduction in nitrous oxide missions. BME already incorporates dual salt emulsions in its product offer ings, which are proven to be less harmful in terms of potential nitrate contamination and greenhouse gas emissions. As BME continues to innovate and lead in the explosives and blast ing technology sector, its zero RCR achievement is a clear message to the industry: safety and sustainability are integral to business success. 

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36  MODERN MINING  May 2024