BCL hosts first aid competitions despite no sponsor
Imi Mokgethi | Tuesday September 20, 2016 17:10
The competition is in accordance with the prescriptions of the Mine Quarries, Works and Machinery Regulation and it is also BCL mine’s bid to promote the practice of first aid in the workplace and foster a culture of safe behaviour and responsible practices among mine workers and the community. In his remarks during the competitions, the mine’s managing director Dan Mahupela highlighted that the mine values first aid, thus the reason why lack of sponsorship did not discourage them to hold the competition. He emphasised the importance of first aid, indicating that it has significantly saved a lot of lives at the mine. “As you may be aware, we have experienced quite a number of accidents at our mine, with the latest having claimed some lives. However, some of the victims of this horrific accident are alive and here with us today thanks to first aid,” he said.
Mahupela said many lives that have been lost in the country due to road accidents could have been saved if members of the public had knowledge on first aid, highlighting the need for everyone to be equipped with first aid skills.
“We really need first aid in our lives and at BCL we will continue to encourage it not because we are prone to accidents but because it is a vital part of our lives which we cannot live without,” he said.
Mahupela applauded the participants saying their participation will encourage other people to know and appreciate the importance of first aid.
He also assured them that though the competitions were not sponsored, the mine has decided to reward their efforts as a way of motivating them and recognising their job. For his part, the chief adjudicator Khumoetsile Mapitse pointed out that the competitions sailed smoothly, adding that their judging was focused on how well the participants displayed the skills they acquired during their training. The competitions were between eight teams consisting of five individuals from different departments in the mine.
“We were strict in our judging to ensure that you do exactly what you are expected to do and I must applaud you for a job well done,” he said Meanwhile, Koketso Motlhagedi was named the best first aider, and scooped P1,000 and a trophy.
Selebi shaft team emerged the champions and walked away with P1,500 per each team member, gold medals and a trophy. The team will represent BCL mine at the Botswana inter-mines first aid competitions billed for October 15 in Orapa.