QUARTER 4
MARCH 2020
COVID-19
DEAR HEALTH AND SAFETY STAKEHOLDERS It is with a heavy heart that I am writing to you under the current conditions we have found ourselves under as a country. The Covid 19 virus has indeed changed the way we conduct business. The number of people who have contracted the virus is growing each day and this is not painting a good picture. As the mining industry; we have also seen interventions by the Tripartite Stakeholders in order to combat the spread of the virus within the industry. Minister, Mr. Gwede Mantashe (MP) unpacked mineral and energy industries’ response in preparation for a nationwide lockdown and measures proposed for implementation include the following: • M ining operations will be scaled down significantly, particularly deep level mining, which is labour intensive. • In order to contain the spread of COVID-19, travel will be restricted, in line with regulations to be outlined by the Minister of COGTA. • The Minerals Council has committed to avail its health infrastructure - facilities and staff – during the lockdown, to support Government efforts. The Mine Health and Safety Council whose mandate is to promote the culture of occupational health and safety in the mining industry has had to implement stringent plans in order to avoid the spread of the virus. The planned health and safety events have been cancelled in line with social distancing as we attract huge crowds at our events. However; we have explored and have been making use of online platforms to engage with our stakeholders. We are ensuring business continuity at the Council through the use of online platforms and the relevant business units and committees will be making contact with their respective members of planned online meetings. This is business unusual and I would like to encourage all Stakeholders to work with us and we strive to serve the mining industry. The MHSC office will also be closed during the Lockdown with only essential services staff members on standby. I urge all our Stakeholders to keep safe and to take care of themselves during this challenging period. Let us all play our part. Yours in health and safety Thabo Dube
HELP TO STOP THE SPREAD
1. Wash and/ or sanitise your hands often
2. Keep a safe social distance
3. Cough on your elbow and not hands to prevent the spread of corona virus
4. Stay home to flatten the curve
TAKE CARE OF YOURSELVES AND BE SAFE!
KEEP WASHING YOUR HANDS AND STAY AT HOME