Health

The health of our employees has a direct bearing on their ability to perform safely and productively in the workplace.We maintain strict adherence to the provisions of the Occupational Health and Safety and Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases acts. The prevention and monitoring of occupational illnesses is accomplished through the ongoing assessment of workplace risks, strict adherence to the use of personal protective equipment and regular medical surveillance. Risks include exposure to dust and noise as well as diseases such as malaria and access to clean drinking water at some of our more remote exploration sites.

At our Nkomati operation, we follow the DMR guidelines relating to dust and noise. While operational dust is monitored throughout the mining area by means of dust buckets while underground monitoring takes place daily. Noise is also monitored on an ongoing basis and a proper maintenance programme is followed on all equipment to ensure that levels do not increase unnecessarily.

Working in remote areas

Drill crews operating away from home in other African countries are provided with proper camp facilities which are well-planned and maintained by sufficient numbers of support staff. Drinking water is sourced and tested as part of the camp establishment and employees receive training on the prevention of malaria. They are also provided with mosquito repellents and medication. Pre- and postmedical check-ups are conducted, and inspections and audits are regularly undertaken. In addition to taking the necessary precautions to prevent accidents and illness,

Geosearch also purchases comprehensive medical insurance for all employees working in remote areas. This insurance not only covers standard medical procedures and care but also includes twenty-four hour emergency evacuation to the nearest appropriate facility and return to country of origin for employees who require in-hospital treatment. In the case of emergency evacuations, hotel and travelling costs of one other person to accompany the patient are included.

Wellness

We acknowledge our responsibility to provide a safe and healthy working environment and to nurture the wellness of our employees who undergo an annual medical fitness examination. Apart from ensuring fitness for work, these medical assessments assist with the early identification and treatment of chronic illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension and tuberculosis, and give employees an additional opportunity to undergo HCT. During these examinations, advice on healthy eating, fitness and weight management is provided. We are currently engaging with our employees on the introduction of a medical benefit scheme.

HIV/Aids

As a company whose sphere of operations is entirely based on the African continent, we cannot ignore the effects of HIV/Aids on our employees, clients and the communities that surround our own and our clients’ operations. Where it is practically possible, we aim to minimise the social, economic and developmental consequences of the disease by taking considered measures to prevent the spread of the virus. These measures include education, the provision of condoms and HCT.

An HCT campaign has been launched across the business. Testing has for the most part been facilitated and supported by local municipal medical facilities. Early results show that testing uptake varies markedly across businesses and the areas in which
we operate. In general, we have had a positive response to testing.