Modern Mining October 2023

HEALTH AND SAFETY

Explaining the reason for incorporating neuro science into the supervisor programme, he states that while undertaking a pilot programme for a client three years ago, MRTA came across what it per ceived to be an unacceptably high level of lost time injury rates (LTIR) and subsequently began to explore the root cause of the incidences and how best to reduce them. “We determined there was a gap in our training approach to supervisors, for which Pretorius and I were mandated to investigate the topic of neurosci ence. Following extensive research, we developed the neuroscience programme, which we launched two years ago,” says Schultz. Meanwhile, following the push towards mecha nised mining, MTRA is also developing a programme to meet this need and, according to Pretorius, “with mechanised mining, 80% of the business is engi neering 20% mining”. “Given the push for mechanical and automized mining, the industry has evolved from being min ing focused with a small engineering support base to being engineering driven with a small mining element. To equip our trainees for safe engineer ing software services, we offer several new programmes that are designed to deal with technol ogy advances, but predominantly in the apprentice space. Having identified engineering supervision as a big gap in training, MRTA is in the process of developing the engineering license to super vise programme. We have noted the successes in

training in mining and are looking to replicate this in the engineering space.” MRTA’s fit-for-purpose programmes Pretorius adds that the changing environment means MRTA’s training curriculum is also evolving to align with latest regulatory and client needs, and training programmes are being meticulously developed to focus on the right technology to support the training. “For instance, we address low risk areas through CBT, moderate risk areas using 2/3D modelling and for high potential risk areas, we use VR. Our invest ment provides learners with an uncanny sense of the realism of experiencing workplace and work-related hazards and risks, coupled with the initiative we adopted of using experienced miners and operators to test the technology to ensure a realistic look, feel and haptic playback to support muscle memory. Our advanced mock-up environment offers major advan tages for learners as this is where they can apply the theory and skills learnt and prove their capa bilities in a low-risk environment. Providing realistic environments to simulate safety protocols in mock environments prepares learners for real-world safety related challenges.” Importantly, and as a gauge to determine the effectiveness of the curriculum, MRTA requires learners to complete evaluation forms at the end of their training cycle which ensures that the trainers themselves align with, and improve, their training methodologies. “As a contracting company, we are well positioned to learn from incidents experienced at the sites of our widespread projects and we incorporate the lessons learned into our training programmes. This, coupled with our participation in committees such as the Education Advisory Committee, ensures that we remain at top of our game. Moreover, we understand that in terms of the existing mining skills base, we are fishing in the same pond as mining houses, so the skills we can attract need to be developed to ensure we have effective contracting supervisors able to handle issues of diversity, neuroscience and leader ship, coupled to the diagonal life technical aspects,” concludes Pretorius. 

Above: Technical training is also given priority.

Right: Training for technicians also important.

MRTA programmes The entity offers a suite of full and part qualifications in occupational health, safety and environment, coupled to in-house customised programmes, in pur suance of reducing workplace and work-related hazards that may give rise to unwanted events in the business. These are predominantly:

 The National Certificate in OHS NQF Level 2  The SHE Representative Skills Programme  Working @ Heights & Basic Fire Fighting  A 1 & 2 Series in HSE Risk Management  Neuroscience & Safety Leadership

26  MODERN MINING  October 2023