Orapa Letlhakane and Damtshaa Mines (OLDM) orchestrated a significant event last week Saturday, as inter-departmental first aid competitions were held at the Orapa Sports Hall after a hiatus of three years.
This gathering harkened back to their previous assembly in 2019, as the subsequent onset of the Covid-19 pandemic disrupted the flow of these competitions.
Operating under the theme ‘Leaving Home Safe, Back Home Safe,’ this year’s event took on a renewed sense of purpose and urgency.
The primary objectives of these competitions are to cultivate awareness of first-aid practices among employees and the general public, facilitate networking, and prepare for the forthcoming Inter-mines competitions scheduled for October 28, 2023, in Sowa Town.
Fourteen teams enthusiastically engaged in the event, culminating in the triumph of the LDM B team. The Mining team earned a commendable second position, while the Security team secured the third spot on the podium.
Nelson Nareetsile, Senior Ore Processing Manager, elucidated the profound significance of these competitions. He emphasized that beyond fostering a sense of community among participants, these events emphasize the importance of first aid in mitigating the consequences of incidents that result in injuries.
Addressing the participants, Lefoko Sethoko, Senior Engineering Manager at OLDM, highlighted the multifaceted benefits of hosting the Inter-departmental First Aid Competition. Beyond showcasing the participants’ proficiency in first aid, this platform enabled them to critically reflect on OLDM’s performance in the realms of Environment, Community, Occupational Health, and Safety (ECOHS).
“OLDM has adopted the Global first aid competition’s theme: ‘Lifelong first-aid learning in the digital world’ which is a combination of the 2022 and 2023 international theme as already indicated. This is in recognition of the three (3) year gap in hosting these competitions that we had due to the Covid-19 pandemic. This theme I must emphasise, resonates so well with our 2023 intent of Total Safety Excellence through the theme: ‘Leaving home safe, back home safe’, Sethoko concluded, further highlighting OLDM’s unwavering commitment to safety and its resolute dedication to fostering a culture of preparedness, vigilance, and collaboration among its workforce.
