Covid-19: Public comments are open for safety guidelines in mining sector
Some of the guidelines outlined state that disinfection must be undertaken in a number of areas including accommodation, medical stations, all transport and change houses among others.
The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy has issued a guideline for the mandatory code of practice to mitigate and manage the spread of Covid-19 within the mining sector.
According to the department, this is in compliance with the outcome of a recent labour court process and is part of efforts by the department – as a regulator of the mining sector – to ensure the spread of the virus is contained and protect the health and safety of employees at mines, and other persons who may be directly affected.
Some of the guidelines outlined state that disinfection must be undertaken in a number of areas including accommodation, medical stations, all transport and change houses among others.
There also needs to be screening and testing protocols as well as withdrawal protocols, to be used in the event of a localised Covid-19 outbreak. To prevent an outbreak, employers must develop a Covid-19 management plan into the existing health and safety policy.
There also needs to be a dedicated 24-hour number which employees can use to contact a healthcare worker as well as a procedure to report if an employee is sick or experiencing symptoms of Covid-19.
Those who wish to comment on the code, may view the Guideline for the Compilation of a Mandatory Code of Practice for the Mitigation and Management of Covid-19 Outbreak here and email their comment to Lindiwe.Ndelu@dmre.gov.za for the attention of Dr L Ndelu by 14 May.
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