Newcrest and Business Partner employees at the Newcrest Lihir operation, New Ireland province, are participating in several activities this week to observe the 2022 National Mining Safety Week (NMSW).
The NMSW is an annual event sanctioned by the PNG Mineral Resources Authority and observed by mining projects across the country.
With the national theme ‘Fitness for work’, the 2022 NMSW activities in Lihir focus on sub themes Fatigue Management, Mental Health, Physical Health and Managing Social Issues.
These activities include group therapy counselling on substance abuse, awareness sessions on social issues, mental health and fatigue management, ‘Fitness for Work’ word search puzzles, spot check for blood pressure, cholesterol, weight, body mass index and blood sugar level, and social sports tournaments.
Officially opening the 2022 NMSW in Lihir on Monday, 9 May 2022, General Manager, Mr Johan Labuschagne, said fitness for work is a critical control in Lihir.
“It helps us manage major hazards like vehicle collision or rollover, falling from heights, and even entanglement and crushing. We must be fit for work to focus on the job at the workplace and at home,” he said.
“Ensuring that our people are safe, healthy and fit for work makes us (Newcrest) a safe and sustainable business in Papua New Guinea. Every year, we participate in this event to empower and remind ourselves and our families and communities that safety is a priority in everything we do, every time,” he added.
Furthermore, Mr Labuschagne encouraged Newcrest employees and contractors to utilise sitebased programs such as the Trupla Man Trupla Meri, Respect at Work and Healthy Business counselling services.
He said these programs would help them manage social issues relating to family matters as these often affect their mental health.
Lihir’s 2022 NMSW will end on Sunday, 15 May 2022.