Tinaani Nyabereka
GWERU – Cure Chem Zimbabwe has urged small-scale miners to uphold safety measures when dealing with mining chemicals, saying failure to handle such substances with care often results in long term damage to personal health.
Speaking at an awareness campaign held at Bata Club for miners last week, Cure Chem group manager, Obert Chikwature said most miners were ignorant on how to properly handle chemicals they use.
“Chemicals are dangerous no matter how long the effects take to show. As miners and suppliers of mining chemicals, we are responsible for the safe handling of chemicals because sometimes, we take it for granted. Workshops such as these help us to know how to protect ourselves because such chemicals as sodium cyanide, nitric acid, sulphuric acid and others have long term effects on human health.
“Cure Chem Group, Medent Private Limited and the Environmental Management Agency (Ema) will deliberate on various indications on how best we can use chemicals and how best we can put on protective wear for our own safety in times of emergency. There is need for us to even know the environment and the people in surrounding communities for they are the immediate victims of any chemical and hazardous substance disaster whenever it occurs,” said Chikwature.
Medent Private Limited group sales manager, Nyasha Chakanetsa said mine owners must carry the mandate of keeping their workers safe, adding that an uninformed worker is a vulnerable worker.
“It is mandatory for mine owners to know the welfare and safety of workers in the mine. You must always control hazardous substances and provide the necessary steps because most diseases that affect miners are due to inhalation of poisonous gases and air.
He said the company offered affordable PPE equipment that can play a critical role in the prevention of such accidents.local
