Health and Safety Guidelines for Konige Mining & Exploration Limited
Ensuring a Safe and Healthy Workplace in Zambia’s Gold Mining Sector
Introduction
At Konige Mining & Exploration Limited, the health, safety, and well-being of our employees, contractors, and surrounding communities are our top priorities. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of health and safety in all our operations, ensuring a safe working environment and minimizing risks associated with gold mining activities.
This document outlines our Health and Safety Guidelines, which align with Zambian mining regulations, international best practices, and our core values of integrity, sustainability, and community.
Health and Safety Policy
Our Commitment:
- To provide a safe and healthy workplace for all employees and contractors.
- To comply with all applicable health and safety laws, regulations, and standards.
- To continuously improve our health and safety performance through training, innovation, and risk management.
Objectives:
- Zero harm to people, the environment, and equipment.
- Proactive identification and mitigation of health and safety risks.
- Promotion of a safety-first culture across all levels of the organization.
Key Health and Safety Principles
Risk Assessment and Management
- Conduct regular risk assessments for all mining activities, including exploration, drilling, blasting, and processing.
- Implement control measures to eliminate or minimize identified risks.
- Monitor and review risks continuously to ensure effectiveness of controls.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Provide appropriate PPE to all employees and contractors, including helmets, gloves, safety boots, goggles, and high-visibility clothing.
- Ensure PPE is worn at all times in designated areas and during high-risk activities.
- Regularly inspect and replace damaged or worn-out PPE.
Training and Awareness
- Conduct mandatory health and safety training for all employees and contractors during onboarding and periodically thereafter.
- Provide specialized training for high-risk roles, such as blasting, heavy machinery operation, and emergency response.
- Promote safety awareness through toolbox talks, safety drills, and awareness campaigns.
Emergency Preparedness and Response
- Develop and maintain an Emergency Response Plan (ERP) for potential incidents such as fires, collapses, and medical emergencies.
- Conduct regular emergency drills to ensure preparedness.
- Equip all sites with first aid kits, fire extinguishers, and emergency communication systems.
Occupational Health
- Provide regular health check-ups and medical screenings for employees.
- Monitor and control exposure to hazardous substances, dust, and noise.
- Promote mental health and well-being through employee support programs.
Safety Procedures for Key Mining Activities
Exploration and Drilling
- Conduct geotechnical surveys to identify potential hazards.
- Ensure all drilling equipment is inspected and maintained regularly.
- Use barriers and signage to secure drilling sites and prevent unauthorized access.
Blasting Operations
- Only trained and certified personnel are permitted to handle explosives.
- Establish exclusion zones and clear all personnel before blasting.
- Conduct post-blast inspections to ensure safety before resuming work.
Heavy Machinery Operation
- Ensure all operators are certified and trained for specific machinery.
- Conduct pre-shift inspections of equipment to identify and address faults.
- Enforce speed limits and safe operating procedures on-site.
Processing and Refining
- Implement dust control measures to minimize exposure to harmful particles.
- Use enclosed systems and ventilation to manage chemical hazards.
- Provide training on safe handling of chemicals and equipment.
Health and Safety Responsibilities
Management Responsibilities
- Provide the necessary resources, training, and equipment to ensure a safe workplace.
- Lead by example and promote a culture of safety.
- Investigate incidents and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
Employee Responsibilities
- Follow all health and safety procedures and guidelines.
- Report hazards, near-misses, and incidents immediately.
- Participate in training and safety initiatives.
Contractor Responsibilities
- Comply with Konige Mining’s health and safety standards.
- Ensure all workers are trained and equipped with appropriate PPE.
- Report any safety concerns or incidents to Konige Mining’s safety team.
Monitoring and Continuous Improvement
- Conduct regular safety audits and inspections to identify areas for improvement.
- Track and analyze health and safety performance metrics, such as incident rates and near-misses.
- Encourage feedback from employees and contractors to enhance safety practices.
- Stay updated on industry trends and adopt best practices to improve safety standards.
Reporting and Incident Management
- All incidents, including near-misses, must be reported immediately to the safety team.
- Conduct thorough investigations to determine root causes and implement corrective actions.
- Maintain a transparent record of incidents and share lessons learned with all stakeholders.
Community Health and Safety
- Minimize the impact of mining activities on surrounding communities.
- Educate communities on safety measures and emergency response procedures.
- Collaborate with local authorities to address community health and safety concerns.
Conclusion
At Konige Mining, we believe that a safe workplace is a productive workplace. By adhering to these Health and Safety Guidelines, we aim to protect our people, preserve the environment, and contribute to the sustainable development of Zambia’s mining sector.
Safety is everyone’s responsibility. Let’s work together to achieve zero harm.