We take safety seriously in the south

There has been an overall strong safety performance from our teams across all areas for a considerable period in the Southern Region, including record low injury rates and an excellent safety culture, resulting in our people returning home safely after every shift.

HSE Lead Leigh Jones shares his thoughts on our safety performance and the broader safety landscape in our region.

Can you provide an overview of the recent safety culture? 

It’s been a very interesting period for the MMS business unit since it’s divergence from Mining Minerals West in 2019, which has given us an opportunity to focus on areas of key development.

I believe we’ve helped develop a business unit with all the personality and genuine care of a family owned and operated company, while still maintaining a drive for achievement and success without sacrificing safety.

I feel that’s exactly it – we are a business unit that nurtures our culture and people in a similar way that a family would. We support each other, we encourage and endorse our values in everything we do, we show genuine concern for every person’s safety and wellbeing – all while having a bit fun along the way.

What would you attribute this success to?

I feel like I can attribute the success to the collective – we’ve all had faith in the business level systems and initiatives that have been introduced, such as Delivering the Safe Way and Fatal Risk Controls. We have also capitalised on opportunities like the Delivering the Safe Way surveys to inform our leadership team.

This has allowed the leadership group to adequately steer the projects and operations in a direction that enabled our teams to truly own their own safety successes. As for the outcome, well it’s not a gargantuan milestone but being the only M&IS business unit in 2022 to not sustain a recordable injury is something worth mentioning. Everyone has played a part in ensuring our operations are as safe as they can be.

What is an ongoing safety focus for you and the rest of the HSE team in MMS?

I’d be remissive if I didn’t mention COVID and the challenges that it has presented to maintain safe operations. It’s important we maintain a focus on rolling with the challenges COVID brings and overcoming them together.

For the remainder of 2022 and beyond, new technologies, ways of working and stricter safety regulations will be the ongoing focus for the team. Major advances in automation are fundamentally shifting the way work is done and means we need to adjust plans to ensure we are working as safe as possible.

What do you enjoy the most about your role?

Without a doubt, it’s the diversity! No single day is ever the same.

I really enjoy the project planning and tendering stages where I can learn about a new process or new tech that can enable us to get those precious metals from places where humans are not designed to inhabit.

I love being out in the field too because it’s a great community where everyone looks out for each other. The banter is also great, especially when times are hard-going. Ultimately, the most fulfilling part of the job is when the crew goes home safe and gets to live their lives to the fullest.