FQM KANSANSHI MINING PLC ‘FIRST AID TEAM A’ ARE THE 2024 ZAMBIA CHAMBER OF MINES, INTER-COMPANY FIRST AID COMPETITION
FQM Kansanshi Mining PLC First Aid Team A, has won the Zambia Chamber of Mines, Inter-company First Aid Competition which was hosted by CNMC – Luanshya Copper Mine at Roan Rugby Field on Saturday 27th July 2024 in Luanshya after scoring 91.3 percent in the three categories of examination.
In second position with 87.2 percent was Chambishi Copper Smelter while Konkola Copper Mines teams – Nampundwe and Konkola Smelter, scooped the third position and fourth positions with 85 and 84 percent respectively.
The competition saw 25 teams drawn from different mining companies and contractors participate.
The event was graced by Guest of Honour, Dr. Hapenga M. Kabeta, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development.
Dr. Kabeta said that government had always emphasised the importance of first aid in the mining industry saying the first aid competition was important as it showed the status the industry attached to issues of emergency preparedness. He said first aid was key to the mining industry because it was the initial assistance given to a victim of injury or illness. He reminded employers and employees to always observe adherence to principles of occupational health and safety which were non- negotiable.
“I therefore, urge all employers, trade unions and the workers themselves across the mining industry to actively participate in securing a safe and healthy working environment, where the principle of prevention is accorded the highest priority by treating symptoms first,” Dr. Kabeta.
He urged all Mining companies to train workers in first aid, in line with Mining Regulations and the theme of the 2024 Zambia Chamber of Mines First Aid Competition, “First Aid For Life”. He commended CNMC Luanshya Copper Mine for hosting a successful competition and congratulated the winners FQM Kansanshi Mining PLC – Team A for a great display of first aid skills.
Dr. Kabeta also awarded Kagem Mining Limited a prestigious safety trophy on behalf of the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development recognising its exceptional achievement of 7,580,144 Lost Time Injury (LTI)-free hours.
“This landmark accomplishment underscores the emerald mine’s unwavering commitment to strive for workplace safety, employees’ well-being, responsible mining practices and operational excellence. I will be presenting this award annually to a mine that achieves zero-harm in mining,” Dr. Kabeta.
Mr. Ben Bukoka, Manager SHEQ for Kagem Mining Limited received the award on behalf of Kagem Mining.
The Chamber of Mines of Zambia Council for First Aid (CMZCFA) operates under the auspices of the Zambia Chamber of Mines and is at present the only society recognised by the Chief Inspector of Mines to supervise First Aid Training Activities in the Mining industry and issue certificates of competence to deserving candidates. The Council also conducts mining inspections at all the mines that are affiliated to the Chamber of Mines. These inspection visits are aimed at checking on compliance to acceptable standard First Aid practices and statutory First Aid requirements as prescribed by the Mining Regulations – MR 1201 – 1210 as well as 213 and 214.
Giving a brief background, CMZCFA Chairperson Dr. Mieke Mulenga said the first aid competitions had a long history in the mining sector from dating from ZCCM days to the current post privatisation state of the mining sector. The competitions were introduced as a motivation and encouragement to employees to be engaged in first aid activities in the workplace. Every department of each mine selects a team of six (6) based on their first aid skills. The teams represent their departments at the inter-departmental competition held at each mine site and the winners of each departmental competition including contractors represent their companies at the annual Inter-Company Fist Aid Competition. At each competition, each team is assessed on the same set of tests as set by the Board of Examiners composed of medical doctors from hospitals run by mining companies and also the Occupational Health and Safety Institute (OHSI).
Speaking at the event, Chamber president, Dr. Godwin Beene asked the Guest of Honour, to urge all mining companies in Zambia to consider joining the Chamber of Mines in order to benefit from programmes made by the Council for First Aid, the Zambia Mines Rescue and the Safety, Health and Environment committee, among others, that promote international best practices in occupational health, safety and environment.
He said the Chamber was making every effort in ensuring the safety of all mine workers by adhering to international best practice.
