A first ever ‘Women in Mining (WiM)’ committee has been established for female employees at the Porgera Gold Mine.
The concept was launched as part of the Mine Safety Week’s sub theme of Women in Mining
The WiM committee provides a channel for female workers to effectively communicate amongst themselves and to mine management, issues that may affect them.
The launching was one of various site activities to commemorate the week.
Barrick Niugini Limited’s Acting Executive Managing Director, Benjamin Burger, encouraged mine employees to become courageous safety leaders in the workplace.
He said critical risks and controls underpinned safe work practices at the mine and these controls were developed to safeguard employees when carrying out tasks.
“The main safety focus for PJV in the last two years has been on developing courageous leaders in the workplace. All it takes is one example…somebody having to stand up first…to have the courage to talk to the team,” Mr Burger said.
BNL’s Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) Manager, Robin Sheahan urged employees to look at controls that are in place and to ensure to understand and follow them every time tasks are carried out.
The WiM concept is supported through a partnership with Newcrest-Lihir and its Trupela Man, Trupela Meri campaign which advocates anti-violence behavior.
Lihir’s Anti-Violence Advisor, Margaret Yanda, and Healthy Business Performance Group Health Consultant, Eric Tamo, were guests at Porgera for the duration of the week.
Activities for the week included various medical and health screening, emergency response drills, defensive driving awareness, occupational hygiene tests for fitness, a first aid competition and a safety quiz night on Saturday 22nd July to close off.