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FACE TO FACE WITH
ASPASA
January - February 2015
MODERN QUARRYING
23
limit exposure and effectively avoid pedestrian fatalities.
“Another effective measure that can be imple-
mented is managing operator and worker fatigue. By
making them aware of the dangers of over-tiredness,
we can reinforce safer working practices and prevent
the kind of accidents we commonly see as a result of
clouded thinking, or falling asleep at the wheel of a
machine.”
Van den Berg’s concern is that Mosh has started
inviting Aspasa to workshops but not to the feedback
sessions from industry. “Nor are we being kept informed
of the progress of these trials. We have not been invited
to the next round of Mosh talks and if the leading prac-
tices are confirmed and accepted, then we will be left
out in the cold. We therefore appeal to Mosh and to the
MHSC to drop the one-size-fits-all approach to safety on
our mines and our quarries.”
Pienaar adds that other important issues include industry-
specific training that is not being properly addressed by the vari-
ous SETAs.
“In the coming years, our industry will also need to adapt to
changes relating to electricity and water shortages, tough envi-
ronmental and company legislation, crime, corruption and other
pressures that are placed on us. Only through the unity of our
members and through the involvement of all in the construc-
tion materials mining sector, will we be able to sustain a positive
future for this sector. As Aspasa, our mission remains to continue
building positive relationships with relevant government depart-
ments, while also fighting for the rights of companies within our
industry. We will continue to look after the health and wellbeing
of employees within the industry, and caring for the environment
which we leave behind for future generations.”
Regional conduit
Discussing regional structures, Pienaar is appealing to mem-
bers and role-players within the aggregate industry to support
Aspasa’s regional structures and in so doing facilitate better
communication between members. This will also enable a faster
response to localised opportunities and threats. Regional chair-
persons and committees are used as a conduit between local
producers and the Association in order to identify operational
requirements relating to regulatory, training and other require-
ments; as well as playing an increasingly important role in facili-
tating discussions with all role-players.
Pienaar emphasises that the regional chairperson is chosen
from the Association’s membership in each region, and tasks are
performed on a voluntary basis.“However, the role that they play
is critical in moving the entire industry forward and their work
is expected to positively impact on the success of their region.
“For this reason, we are appealing to members, associate
members and industry suppliers to find out who the local Aspasa
chairperson is, and to work actively with them in improving the
industry in their respective regions.”
The chairperson is also expected to establish a sound work-
ing relationship with local DMR representatives and in many
instances, will be able to directly address regulatory or law
enforcement issues directly before escalating problems to the
national structures, where required.
“Quarry operators and other role players can also speak to
their local Aspasa chairperson to find out more information about
the Association’s health, safety and environmental audits. They
should attend regional meetings to stay abreast of national issues
and opportunities that may affect their businesses,” he says. “We
realise that our Association is only as strong as our members’
input, and we therefore encourage member companies to sup-
port regional initiatives that are being established to ensure that
our industry remains buoyant and successful in the future.”
Report and pictures, unless otherwise credited, by Dale Kelly
The number and type of machines used in quarries are very different to those found in
the Mosh studies, which is aimed at mines of all sizes and types.