By HELEN REI
Transportation is an important part of Ok Tedi Mining Ltd’s operations and drivers for that matter play an important role.
OTML’s Transport Department had therefore introduced an intensive training programme for its drivers.
The training programme which began in February this year, had seen 57 drivers and four team leaders being trained so far.
Trainers from Transport Compliance Solutions, Australia had been engaged to conduct the course.
Instructor Jack Hastie said the training programme focused on risk assessment, emergency procedures, personal protective equipment, accident and incident reporting and good communication and active listening.
The drivers were being assessed on their driving skills, how to hook and unhook trailers, load restraint and fatigue management.
The latest candidates attending the course were Thomas Kwanteki, team leader line haul; Yire Kuwak, team leader dispatch; Malot Koitaben, bus driver (all three are from Tabubil operational sites); and Yenesi Hawi, a forklift driver from Kiunga operations.
Mr Kwanteki said it was refreshing to attend the course as it would be beneficial to his work.
Mr Yire said there were already indications that the course was helping improve the driver’s performance as there are now less safety reports.
Mr Hastie said safety was an important part of the work that all drivers carry out and during the workshop they were being reminded time and again.
The first phase of the training programme was expected to end this year with the second phase to start early next year.