TUCTA & OSHA - MINING FIRMS TO MIMIC GGML APPROACH TO SAFETY AT WORK

The President of the Tanzania Confederation of Trade Unions (TUCTA), Tumaini Nyamhoka (left), receives a gift from GGML’s Senior Officer - Social and Economic Development, Ruth Mharagi, during a visit to the GGML stand at the Occupational Safety and Health Authority OSHA) exhibition in Arusha recently.

The President of the Trade Union Congress of Tanzania, Tumaini Nyamhoka, and the Chairman of the OSHA Advisory Board, Dr. Adelhelm Meru, in a group photo with some GGML workers. The leaders visited the GGML pavilion at the Occupational Safety and Health Authority (OSHA) exhibition in Arusha recently.

The Trade Union Congress of Tanzania (TUCTA) (TUCTA) and the Occupational Safety and Health Authority (OSHA) are encouraging other mining companies to follow the example of Geita Gold Mining Limited (GGML) and adopt technologies that will help them comply with occupational health and safety regulations.

The call was made several times by the heads of the institutions who visited the GGML pavilion at the General Tyres site in Arusha during the OSHA exhibitions, an annual event that coincides with World Health and Safety at Work Day.

Chairman of the OSHA Advisory Board, Dr. Adelhelm Meru, said that what GGML was displaying at the exhibition showed how the company was working with the government to improve occupational health and safety in the mining sector.

He said the technologies associated with various devices, including the special ProLaser Speed Gun, are good examples that other companies can use to protect their employees from accidents caused by speeding vehicles.

And Tumaini Nyamhoka, the president of TUCTA, said he was happy with the technology GGML was using to do its job. It's made work safer and more comfortable for workers and their families.

"I hope senior leaders will visit the GGML pavilion to see these technologies," he said. He said these technologies are special and are designed to help the company live up to its values of health and safety in the workplace.

The complex operations at Geita Gold Mine involve heavy machinery, trucks and other vehicles. The ProLaser Speed Gun on display at the GGML stand helps to effectively control vehicle speeds and minimise accidents. El-cid Walter Marealle, Safety Coordinator, demonstrated the technology to visitors and highlighted its role in promoting safety.

“By monitoring vehicle speeds, GGML can hold drivers accountable for adhering to speed limits. This in turn contributes to safer operations by reducing the risk of collisions, injuries and fatalities. The data collected by the ProLaser Speed Gun also allows GGML to identify areas where speeding is a problem and develop targeted interventions to address the issue.

“However, it's important to note that the ProLaser Speed Gun is only one component of GGML’s comprehensive health and safety measures for the movement of heavy machinery and vehicles. GGML also uses clear signage and road markings to remind everyone of the speed limits and provides driver training to equip its operators with the necessary knowledge and skills to operate safely,” he said.

He added that through the use of advanced technology, clear communication and ongoing training, GGML promotes a culture of safety. This not only protects workers and pedestrians, but also valuable equipment.