Assessments of accident records indicate the need for improved understanding and
competence among underground production and service personnel with regard to
strata control, and the associated risks, in gold and platinum mines. The underground
personnel most directly affected by strata control risks, i.e. shift overseer level and
lower, are categorised by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) at job
levels 1-4. Appropriate training courses and material are required in order to improve
the competencies of employees with respect to the strata control risks to which they
are exposed. In undertaking this study, input from all sources surveyed has indicated the importance of rock engineering training at these levels. Many individuals from all sectors
interviewed have highlighted the potential impact of indicated training on safety. A
strong degree of synergy was seen between union and industry representatives.
International input has indicated the efficacy of outcomes based training applied in
mining in the United States and Australia albeit at a more advanced level. The
outcomes based approach used by MQA/SAQA is seen as appropriate particularly in
addressing the needs of the industry at this level.
Reference:
Johnson, RA, et al. 2000. Identify and draft outcomes-based training material in strata control for underground workers. Safety in Mines Research Advisory Committee, GAP 609a, March, 2000, pp 1-33
Johnson, R., Hagan, T., Squelch, A., & Jaku, E. (2000). Identify and draft outcomes-based training material in strata control for underground workers. http://hdl.handle.net/10204/1773
Johnson, RA, TO Hagan, AP Squelch, and E Jaku. "Identify and draft outcomes-based training material in strata control for underground workers." (2000): http://hdl.handle.net/10204/1773
Johnson R, Hagan T, Squelch A, Jaku E, Identify and draft outcomes-based training material in strata control for underground workers; 2000. http://hdl.handle.net/10204/1773 .