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Mining sector has some of the highest workplace intoxication rates – ALCO-Safe

DEADLY COMBO The chances of an incident occurring at a mine are ‘multiplied drastically’ when one introduces alcohol and drugs into the mix

DEADLY COMBO The chances of an incident occurring at a mine are ‘multiplied drastically’ when one introduces alcohol and drugs into the mix

1st July 2016

By: Ilan Solomons

Creamer Media Staff Writer

  

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When it comes to security in mines, the major focus tends to be on preventing theft and unauthorised access, as a result of the high-value commodities involved in the industry.

However, comprehensive safety and security needs to cover significantly more, including aspects such as theft of time as well as general risks to employees, says drug and alcohol testing distributor ALCO-Safe director Rhys Evans.

He points out that the mining sector has some of the highest rates of intoxication in the workplace, therefore the importance of this general workplace security concern is of paramount importance.

“Employees entering the mining workplace while under the influence of alcohol or drugs not only pose a health and safety risk, they are typically less productive than their sober colleagues, effectively stealing time from their employers.

“While substance abuse is not traditionally considered an element of mining security, it does introduce risk and an element of theft, and should form part of any comprehensive security solution,” states Evans.

He highlights that mining by its very nature is a hazardous environment, involving heavy and often dangerous equipment as well as challenging working conditions.

Moreover, Evans comments that accidents can happen even if the entire workforce is sober and alert. However, he emphasises that the chances of an incident occurring are “multiplied drastically” when one introduces alcohol and drugs into the mix.

“Alcohol and drugs have a negative effect on behaviour and reaction times, not to mention the productivity of employees.”

Evans explains that employees who are unproductive as a result of such intoxication are not working to their full capacity, and this theft of time is an aspect that is often not considered as part of the security strategy.

In addition, he notes that the risk mitigation should always form part of the security strategy and reducing employee risk is essential.

Evans believes that to achieve this, it is essential to put effective substance abuse policies and procedures in place.

He remarks that, while random testing is typical and can deliver some benefit, this approach fails to identify the majority of mining employees affected by alcohol or drugs.

Evans comments that this not only introduces an unacceptable level of risk, but also the potential to negatively impact on the productivity of the entire mine.

He says that the mandatory testing of each employee at the start of every shift needs to be included in the security policies of mining organisations.

“This approach has been proven to be highly effective, particularly where safety regulators enforce this as a daily, compulsory practice,” Evans declares.

He states that in addition to compulsory daily testing, it is also “essential” to include educational programmes on the dangers of alcohol consumption in the workplace.

Evans is of the view that such programmes should include real-world examples of the consequences of actions taken under the influence. He notes that, when combined with compulsory alcohol testing, such practices can act as a significant deterrent to the use and abuse of alcohol in the workplace.

Further, Evans mentions that the Occupational Health and Safety Act specifies a “zero tolerance approach” toward alcohol and drug use in the workplace.

He adds that the South African Mine Health and Safety Act states that employers must provide conditions for safe operation and may not permit intoxicated employees to enter mines.

Evans stresses that the benefits of reducing the risk posed by substance abuse in mining go beyond simple compliance.

“By including substance abuse into security, identifying intoxicated employees and not permitting them to enter a mine, owners can improve employee safety as well as ensuring maximum productivity,” he concludes.

Edited by Martin Zhuwakinyu
Creamer Media Senior Deputy Editor

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