First Aid skills crucial in mining says Dr Gale

ISAAC PINIELO
Correspondent | Wednesday October 13, 2010 00:00

 In his welcome remarks at the Botswana Chamber of Mines (BCM) Inter-mine First Aid competitions in Orapa on Saturday, Gale indicated that mining industries are prone to accidents that require First Aid application before the arrival of medical assistance. This is despite collective efforts by mining entities to achieve zero harm or to prevent accidents in the working environment.

According to Gale, they always encourage their employees to adopt a safety-focused lifestyle and attitude wherever they may be. 'However, we need to be prepared for emergencies wherever we are. This is where First Aid skill comes in hand because delayed application of First Aid or lack of application thereof when there is an injury could mean a difference between life and death,' he stated.

He however said accidents do not only happen at work and as such, he added that this makes First Aid an important life skill for all people, workers and non-workers, professionals and domestic workers alike. 'This is why it is critical for all of us to go the extra mile and ensure we equip not only our employees but society as well, with pertinent safety and first aid skills and knowledge to be able to prevent calamities or accidents,' stressed the general manager. In turn Director of Mines, Kgomotso Abi pointed out that safety is a value that is very dear to all those who are closely associated with the mining sector, noting that an injury to one is an injury to all.

'I believe that Batswana have safety in their genetic make-up. If you do not share this belief, ask any person who at a young age has violated the unwritten social safety code. The punishment is invariably swift, thorough and at the scene of the crime,' said Abi.

He also noted that First Aid represents a secondary layer of the safety strategy of mining operations, the primary layer being avoidance of accidents. When the primary layer of the strategy has failed, he added, it is important that the secondary layer is invoked to minimise the impact of accidents including preventing the loss of life.

Abi emphasised that the essence of First Aid competition is not about winning prizes, but a demonstration of readiness to intervene to mitigate injuries and save lives.

In the meantime, this year's Botswana Chamber of Mines (BCM) Inter-mine First Aid competitions first prize winners are Morupule Colliery Limited, followed by Orapa and Letlhakane Mines in second spot and Tati Nickel Mining Company with the third prize.

Six mines participated, namely Jwaneng, Orapa and Letlhakane Mines, Morupule Colliery Limited, BCL Limited, Tati Nickel Mining Company and African Copper.