THE MHSC HOSTS THE MUCH ANTICIPATED “ZERO HARM IN OUR LIFETIME” CONFERENCE

The Mining Qualifications Authority had the opportunity to participate in the 2022 Mine Health and Safety Tripartite summit hosted by the Mine Health and Safety Council (MHSC) and the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE). The two-day summit was held at the Midrand Gallagher Conventional Centre on 13-14 October 2022, under the theme “Zero harm in our lifetime”, dedicated to exploring effective ways to solve mine health and safety issues within the mining and minerals sector.

In recent years, the mining and minerals sector has been renowned for its significant employment growth and contribution to the economy. This, accompanied by the growing demand for minerals in the country, has increased the number of individuals employed in hazardous activities in the mines.

The summit provided an excellent platform for the sector leaders to engage on issues affecting mine workers and look at ways to improve workplace safety. Over the years, the sector has faced challenges that require implementing safety measures and health standards to protect miners from fatal or hazardous illnesses resulting from accidents, dust, toxic chemical exposure, extreme temperatures, noise, etc., and vibrations in the industry. Furthermore, the likelihood of fires and explosions in the industry can have massive destructive repercussions. Hence, safety regulations are crucial in the functioning of the mining industry.

As a result, the summit provided an opportunity for mining organisations and relevant stakeholders to gather under one roof and join forces to engage in more appropriate ways to deal with issues about mine worker health and safety issues and to find ways to achieve zero harm through collective actions.

The Honourable Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy, Mr Gwede Mantashe, was among the prominent speakers who delivered the keynote address. He emphasised the need for employers and workers to establish programmes and regulations that ensure safe, risk-free working environments, thus ensuring Zero Harm within the mining and minerals sector. The Minister further pointed out that “We should make a concerted effort in the prevention and management of health matters because they impact the average work-life expectancy of the workforce”, as one death is one too many. The goal should always be a zero-harm target”, he said. The Chairperson of the MQA Board, Mr David Msiza, provided a thorough overview of the Occupational Health and Safety performance over the years at the summit. Dr Thabo Mashongoane, CEO of the MQA, also delivered an informative presentation on the MQA’s legislative mandate and the key initiatives it is undertaking to address health and safety issues within the mining and minerals sector.

Throughout the two-day event, breakaway sessions were conducted to address relevant issues, with feedback from them being shared amongst all attendees. Attendees were also granted access to informative materials provided by mining organisations that had set up booths at the summit.

In conclusion, the summit provided a platform for influential members and stakeholders in the mining industry to come together, demonstrating that the industry is about more than just extracting minerals but also preserving the lives of those working there.