Working at heights remains one of the highest-risk activities within the mining and quarrying environment. Whether conducting maintenance on elevated structures, working on conveyors, accessing plant equipment, or performing inspections, the risks associated with falls and suspended workers can have severe consequences if not properly managed. As many employees jokingly say, “Gravity always works – every single time.”
While the comment may raise a smile, it highlights the very real importance of proper planning, protection, and rescue preparedness.
For this reason, emergency preparedness and rescue planning continues to receive increased focus within the mining industry.
Recent amendments to Chapter 16 of the Mine Health and Safety Act, pertaining to Emergency Preparedness and Response places greater emphasis on practical rescue capability, site-specific emergency planning, competency, and response readiness for high-risk tasks such as working at heights. The amendments highlight the importance of ensuring that mines not only identify potential emergencies but also demonstrate the ability to respond effectively and without delay – because having a rescue plan “somewhere in a file” is very different from having a team ready to act when seconds matter.
In line with these amendments and Afrimat’s continued commitment to proactive safety management, a Working at Heights Rescue Demonstration was recently conducted at Glen Douglas by a specialised service provider, Ljumeg Complete Fire and Safety Solutions. The demonstration formed part of the operation’s ongoing efforts to strengthen emergency preparedness and ensure alignment with current legislative and industry best practice requirements.
The rescue exercise provided employees with valuable insight into the practical challenges associated with rescuing a suspended or injured worker at height. Various rescue scenarios were demonstrated, including:
- Suspension trauma response.
- Safe casualty recovery techniques.
- Use of specialised rescue equipment.
- Anchor point considerations.
- Communication and coordination during emergency situations.
The demonstration also reinforced the importance of pre-task planning and the understanding that fall protection systems alone are not sufficient without an effective rescue plan in place. During working at heights activities, time is a critical factor, particularly in cases involving suspension trauma, where delayed rescue can lead to serious medical complications. As the demonstration reminded everyone: a harness is designed to stop a fall – not to leave someone hanging around waiting for help.
Employees who attended the session had the opportunity to engage with the service provider, ask questions, and observe industry practices firsthand. The initiative further strengthened awareness around personal responsibility, hazard identification, and emergency response readiness.
At Afrimat, safety remains more than a compliance requirement — it is a shared responsibility and a core operational value. Initiatives such as the Working at Heights Rescue Demonstration support the site’s vision of preventing injuries through preparation, training, and continuous improvement.
Emergency preparedness is not measured by documentation alone, but by the ability to respond effectively when it matters most. By continuously improving rescue readiness and ensuring alignment with updated requirements, Afrimat continues to build a safer and more resilient workplace for all employees and contractors.
After all, the best rescue is the one you never have to perform – but being prepared for it can save a life.
