Modern Quarrying Q2 2020

are addressed timeously. Aspasa director, Nico Pienaar, says that every year the audits uncover a wealth of information relating to risks and non-compliances. This is immediately addressed with the mine’s management, as well as being recorded for analysis and where necessary communicated with other members. “Unfortunately, we still see a number of serious injuries taking place in the industry and the majority of these are ‘hand and finger’ injuries,” says Van Deventer. In some cases, he says, it is due to the use of incorrect PPE or a possible risk not being identified. However, Van Deventer notes that no fatalities have been recorded on Aspasa’s member operations in the past five years. “All members are committed to Zero Harm and every operation has objectives and targets to achieve this through Health & Safety Policy Statements,” he says. Traffic Management was one of the focus areas for the ISHE Audits during 2019, to evaluate the risk assessments and implementation of segregation principles for vehicle- to-vehicle and vehicle-to-person interactions. Aspasa has been instrumental in the development of Traffic Management Standards for the surface mining industry. Other focus areas for the 2019 audits included the following, but were not limited to: identification of risks – own inspections with Last year’s audits revealed any array of areas of focus. identification of deviations; occupational hygiene reports with follow-up of over exposures; compliance to the TMM pre-start checklist hazard classification; housekeeping in plants that contribute to dust exposure and access to running machinery; compliance to isolation and lockout requirements; deviations on proper machine guarding; accident / incident investigations; planned task observations; closing the loop of accidents and incidents; fatigue management and the implementation of a site specific fatigue management programme; as well as near miss reporting and recording of Section 23 refusals, among others. l

MODULAR PLANTS HEALTH & SAFE Y

As the top operation of the year, Raumix Aggregates Crushco achieved a 96,85% score.

Traffic Management was one of the focus areas for the ISHE Audits during 2019.

• Lafarge Stanger (5 years Showplace)

Operations Manager – Health & Safety: • Anthony Bowen – Lafarge • Theo Pretorius – Lafarge Health & Safety Service Provider Excellence: • Paul Chamen & Ronelle Affinand – NOSHCON Certificates: • Anashree Maharaj – health & safety officer PPC • Marienky Lebudi – health & safety officer PPC Other winners in the ISHE Audit 2019: Top Independent Performer: Midmar Crushers Consistency in achieving Showplace for five years or more: • AfriSam Newcastle (12 years Showplace) • Afrimat Harrismith (7 years Showplace)

Most Improved Operations: • Afrimat Dingwell • Afrimat Palmiet • Afrimat Bethlehem Aiming for safer mines

Despite these solid performances, Aspasa is pushing for further reforms to ensure safer mines in the year ahead. The association’s members have not recorded a fatality in five years due partially to the effectiveness of its compliance audits which highlight any potential shortcomings and risks. The association also raises awareness through constant communication and information sharing, both internally and via the media, to ensure problematic areas

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MODERN QUARRYING QUARTER 2 - 2020