Surface mining industry association, ASPASA, has released a comprehensive best practice guideline that shows the correct way to deal with accidents and properly document findings in order to avoid similar accidents in future.
One of a comprehensive suit of procedural documents available from the association, the new accident investigation guideline provides mines with a step-by-step guide that should be undertaken in the event of accidents no matter whether minor or major events.
ASPASA director, Nico Pienaar, says the document has been made available to all interested people in the interest of safety and can be downloaded from the ASPASA website. Various other safety workshops and discussions are also on the ASPASA YouTube channel.
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“Accident investigation is an important part of any safety management system. Without a detailed and thorough investigation, management has no true knowledge of the reasons why accidents occur and how to prevent reoccurrence.
“The idea is to give management a tool to use in the heat-of-the-moment when confusion and uncertainty still surround events leading to the accident and subsequent outcome. Under these circumstances the simply written and easy to understand document can ensure that all the necessary procedures are undertaken timeously,” says Nico.
He adds further that ASPASA members have access to a comprehensive library of guidelines dealing with everything from health, safety and environment, to explosives, quality and technical information among other.
