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INSIGHT
Beware online inductions
By Nico Pienaar
Swapping face-to-face induction for online recorded induction may seem like a perfectly safe , costeffective , and time saving way to ensure safety on quarries and mines , but this practice may leave the door open for system failures and may even expose companies to the risk of liability in the event of an incident .
In the event of recorded online inductions , the recordings can often become proof of system failures or non-compliances , particularly where inductions are not kept up to date with changing legislation or the changing nature of the operation . For example , the introduction of certain mechanised equipment may require additional information to be covered in the induction .
If an incident occurs and the investigation shows that the induction did not cover part or all of the environmental , health , or safety information as required by legislation , then the very record of induction that was meant to protect the operation can become the single-most damning piece of evidence to prosecute an operation . It is therefore critical to ensure inductions are completed in line with the latest legislation per the operations risk assessment . Any changes need to be timeously adopted and reflected in the induction .
In the interest of real safety , face-to-face inductions are often preferable , as they allow the inductees to question points and gain a real understanding of the unique requirements of a particular site . The person presenting the induction can also draw special attention to certain risks on site and test an inductee ’ s understanding if , for any reason , they suspect the person may not fully understand certain requirements .
Although a video portrays images and information about an event , it is not quite the same as being there , which makes it preferable for the person to be present and on site when the induction is being done . This also allows an element of dynamic intervention that can be easily adapted according to prevailing conditions , such as warning a visitor of the risk of slipping and falling , which may be increased by rainfall or dust suppression in the event of dry , windy conditions .
Online or distant inductions do not allow this type of common sense to prevail , and even in the event of the induction being completely up to date and comprehensive , it is still doubtful that it could ever be as effective as a face-to-face induction or , better still , a combination of both . In the interest of true safety , and not just for the sake of legal compliance , we recommend that quarries and mines pay careful attention to induction and always maintain a good level of human interface to supplement any remote or online induction . n
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Nico Pienaar is the director of surface mining association Aspasa .
Aspasa
Nico Pienaar , director of surface mining association Aspasa .
40 _ QUARRY SA | SEPTEMBER 2017