A process should be in place for delivering and maintaining competency-based training to provide skilled personnel for all roles on site.

The training management system:

• Matches skills to roles e.g. through a training needs analysis
• Presents information that is appropriate for the audience
• Confirms requirements for safe and productive operations
• Assesses competency e.g. through written and practical tests
• Requires ongoing maintenance of skills for operational, design, planning, and leadership role holders

Procedure, Competence, Training and Assessment HSMP 4.2 PR V12 4/6/24 – S6.1 Identify training needs taking a risk-based approach and prepare a TNA for each role in a Department. 6.1.9 Competent people to be engaged to prepare and administer TNAs.  S6.2 All people to be Trained and Competent. S6.3 to 6.6 People to be appointed after inducted and if needed have First aid and other non-technical skills. S6.7 and 6.8 Manage training and keep records.

OFI-101 Resolve document reference duplicates for different GHG operations

Consultant Comment: During ‘work as documented’ mapping for Tarkwa, documents for Damang were also provided. Some of these had duplicate or similar titles.

If these duplicate or similar documents are accessible by decision makers at both sites then choosing the incorrect document could result in site inappropriate design or planning decisions.

Review how the document information protocol applies to documents across all GHG operations. Identify situations where common standards apply and where site specific approaches apply and update document management processes.

• Appropriately qualified trainers deliver well-structured training.
• Regular refresher training and self-learning activities are planned and executed to maintain currency of skills for all personnel on site

• Reports are generated from the training management system to confirm employee competence and skill levels.
• Audits and challenge tests are conducted to confirm standards of skill development and maintenance are in place.

Site fatigue management processes are comprehensive and designed to support employees.  

Site fatigue management processes include:

• Education and awareness packages for shift workers 
• Optimum shift roster design
• Hours of work and rest requirements including travel time
• Additional work hours management
• Advice and support for supervisors to remove fatigued persons from the workplace e.g. prestart fitness for work judgments,
• Fatigue call ups during shift

OFI-171 Consider benchmarking Tarkwa shift rosters against other operations.

Managing fatigue in mining operations is a challenge for all continuous mining operations. Effective management of fatigues requires a whole of system approach that includes the design of shift rosters.

Workshop participants discussed the shift rosters deployed by Tarkwa Mine Business Partners and identified an opportunity benchmark against how other operations manage shift rosters to manage fatigue.

Benchmark Tarkwa shift rosters against other Gold Fields operations, consider duration, cycle sequence, time off, number of panels etc.

OFI-102 Review and formalise escalating responses for operator alertness detected by OAS.

Tarkwa Mine has installed Operator Alert System (OAS) technology and has an onsite monitoring control room. The technology and supporting processes are mature and fully operationally integrated at site.

Workshop participants confirmed that OAS technology is a significant vehicle interaction control in continuous mining operation. However, their discussion and review of procedures that escalating responses based on lapses in operator alertness are not in the procedure and are not included in OAS operator training materials. There is a response protocol is detailed in poster format for OAS monitoring staff and is applied routinely.

The Tarkwa OAS and supporting practices set a Gold Fields benchmark. Consider reviewing and updating all supporting procedures and training modules so that they capture site practice for responding to differing levels of alertness detected in-field personnel.

Compare industry good practice to current site approaches covering:

Work Hours Policy

Develop working-hours policy for daily work hours, maximum average weekly hours, total hours over a three-month period, and managing commutes and work-related travel.

Managing Work Rosters

• Design working hours and rosters to provide for adequate sleep opportunity (considering time for eating, washing, personal commitments etc.).
• Make sure that there is enough time in a break for a minimum of six hours sleep
• Set the number of consecutive days that can be worked.
• Adopt a forward rotation roster systems for shift work (day-evening-night).
• Avoid quick shift changeovers such as finishing at 11 am and starting again at 7 am.
• Avoid starting or finishing shifts between 10 pm and 6 am.
• As far as possible maintain predictable shift rosters and provide adequate notice of changes.
• Allocate shift and night workers consecutive days off to allow for at least two full nights rest including some weekends.

Hours of Work

• Ensure that workers have and take adequate and regular breaks so that they can rest, eat, and rehydrate.
• Ensure adequate lunchroom and ablution facilities.
• Control the length of shifts – increase resourcing, control overtime especially unscheduled overtime.
• Put in place overtime restrictions when people already work 12 hour shifts.
• Control the length of shifts to 14 hours, except for exceptional circumstances.
• Control emergency call outs, shift swapping and overtime to ensure at least two consecutive nights sleep before and after commencing roster to allow for recovery.
• Limit use of standby and on-call duties.
• Ensure that responding to emergencies does not result in excessive hours.
• Except for emergencies, give at least 24 hrs notice before changing someone from day shift.
• Consider alternatives for personnel who have difficulties adjusting to working hours and shift patterns.

Commuting and Travel

• Use journey planning to manage long commutes and travel requirements.
• Provide alternative transport options at end of overtime and shift work to relieve commuting burden.

Work Demands

• Schedule safety critical work outside low body clock periods (i.e. between 2 am and 6 am).
• Structure shifts and work plans so that demands are highest towards the middle of the shift and decrease towards the end.
• Adequate multiskilling across crews to allow for fatigue relief.
• Provide adequate resources to cover breaks for operators of equipment that is in service continually.

Shift and Night Work;

• Keep sequential night shifts to a minimum.
• Avoid overtime allocations after afternoon or night shifts.
• Include rest periods in the work schedule and allow time for controlled sleeping and napping if necessary.

Monitor Performance

• Monitor actual time worked against the allocated roster to identify if excessive hours are being worked.

OFI-170 Review provision of resting rooms for fatigue management.

Managing fatigue in mining operations is a challenge for all continuous mining operations. Effective management of fatigues requires a whole of system approach that can include providing comfortable locations for taking fatigue breaks.

Workshop participants discussed Business Partner processes for taking fatigue breaks noting that there are limited options for short rests.

Review the benefits of providing dedicated resting rooms for fatigued mobile equipment operators.

Site fatigue management awareness and training is being completed to schedule.

Site hours worked tracking systems send reports and identify exceedances.

OFI-169: Review site processes for tracking and monitoring hours worked.

Workshop participants discussed site processes for fatigue management including how cumulative hours worked, including travel time, are monitored at Tarkwa Mine.

They noted that excessive hours at work without adequate breaks results in fatigued mobile equipment operators.

Consider a review of the effectiveness of the current hours of work tracking system. Confirm that it considers commutes and captures information on hours worked including:

• Maximum shift length 
• Maximum average weekly hours
• Total hours over a three-month period

General features and information organised by vehicle type, are documented and communicated to vehicle operators.

Training modules for vehicle operators includes relevant information and key safety features for the vehicles in use on the site. The information is provided in a format that is audience appropriate and available as a reference in the work area.

Training and assessment of vehicle operators about the general features of the vehicle they are operating.

Dump Truck Inspection Walk Around – Series of slides showing the truck and key locations and components.

OFI-145 Review Operator Training for Equipment Features by Vehicle Type.

The workshop participants identified situations where mobile equipment operators do not understand all the features of the equipment that they are using.

Lack of knowledge of equipment features and requirements can lead to unwanted operating practices and cause damage to equipment.

Review training modules to confirm that key operational aspects of equipment are well covered and easily understood by operators in training. Provide visual information about equipment features by type as a reference in work areas.

Confirmation that work area references are available. Initial and refresher training assessment outcomes. Records of topics covered at inductions, training, pre-shift meetings, etc.

Required emergency checks before operation are documented and communicated to vehicle operators.

Vehicle operator emergency check training by vehicle type covers:

• Cabin integrity
• Cabin housekeeping (restraining/removing loose objects)
• Use of seatbelts, restraints and interlocks 
• Rescue and escape devices e.g. installation of oxygen generating self-rescuers in dozers that operate on stockpiles where there is a risk of falling into a void
• Emergency escape
• Auto shutdown
• Reversing alarms
• Other relevant information about protective systems 

The information is provided in a format that is audience appropriate and available as a reference in the work area.

Training and assessment of vehicle operators confirms that they understand the required emergency related prestart check requirements for the vehicle that they are operating.

Prestart inspection forms capture that emergency checks are completed.

OFI-146 Review Operator Training for Installed Technology

Workshop participants discussed mobile equipment operator training and questioned what is formally documented and how it is communicated.

They were unsure of how information about using installed technology for CAS and OAS is being communicated for new operators and during operator refresher training and authorisation.

Confirm that operator training in the use of technology includes pre-start checks, defect reporting, expected response to alarms, and are part of simulator refresher training.

OFI-117 Consider providing visual reference materials for mobile equipment operators.

Mobile equipment operators are provided training by their employers, the Tarkwa Mine Business Partners. Each two years, based on the renewal cycle for their Ghanaian national drivers license, mobile equipment operators are reassessed and reauthorised to work on site by the Tarkwa Gold Fields training team. This reassessment includes use of simulators and is supported by detailed, visual training and support material covering equipment operations, mobile equipment information including expected responses to alerts and alarms.

Workshop participants were largely unaware of the training and support material and discussed options for making it available beyond the two year reauthorisation cycle. Their initial focus was on responses to alerts and alarms but they also recognised the usefulness of having information by vehicle type available covering sight lines and blind spots, prestart checks, emergency response e.g. fire suppression and emergency egress, and other general operating details.

Consider working with business partners and adapting training materials to develop visual reference material that can be in equipment cabins and workplaces e.g. laminated cards, information cycling on videos etc.

Training system records confirm that vehicle operators are trained and competent in carrying out required prestart checks.

Supervisors and maintainers review the quality of prestart records.

Maintenance reports confirm that faults detected at prestart checks are being corrected.

Site travelling speeds by vehicle type are documented and communicated in a style that is appropriate for the audience.

Training modules for vehicle operators include specific information on travelling speeds by vehicle type for all relevant scenarios.

Training should be assessed to ensure that personnel understand vehicle speed expectations:

• At crests
• On curves and at intersections
• In restricted or congested areas (where vision aids or spotters should be considered)
• When towing
• When loaded (and adjusting for different types of load)
• When conditions change (slippery, rough, spillage, loss of sight lines, etc.)

The training information is provided in a format that is audience appropriate and available as a reference in the work area

GHG Tarkwa Traffic Management Plan, Mining Operations Procedure, TGM 1.10.54 WI as approved for use 01-03-07

6.1.5. Speed Limits

Maximum speed limit signs are located on all roads throughout the mine site. Every driver/ operator is responsible for ensuring that the posted speed limit is complied with. The maximum speed limit on all haulage roads in the mining area is 60km/h unless otherwise sign posted. The maximum speed limit in mine villages is 35km/hr unless sign posted otherwise. Drivers shall drive to condition at all times.

Equipment and vehicles shall be operated and driven safely at a speed which is consistent with the prevailing site conditions (road and weather condition). Site conditions can vary considerably over a relatively short period of time, either because of changing weather conditions, reducing visibility or by road conditions deteriorating; reducing traction or becoming more slippery or because of the volume of traffic which accelerates wear and tear on bends and other areas where braking takes place. Compliance to speed limits on-site and off-site shall be tracked via GPS units installed in Gold Fields Tarkwa Mine vehicles and on-site for Contractors.

Training and assessment of vehicle operator understanding of safe travel speeds by vehicle type for a range of scenarios and conditions.

Mobile equipment operators are aware of travel (and operating) speeds and this information is regularly reinforced.

Vehicle operator training and assessment records.

Confirmation that work area references are available.

Vehicle operation monitoring with by-exception speed reporting.

By exception incident reviews.

OFI-135 Review speed limit communication and enforcement.

Workshop participants discussed incidents cause by speeding at Tarkwa including vehicle roll overs and slides. They also consider situations where vehicles travelling too slowly have caused traffic issues on both access and haul roads.

Slow moving vehicles generate driver frustration and potential for higher risk driving manoeuvres. Speeding above limits increase the likelihood of vehicles losing control.

Review site processes for communicating, monitoring and reinforcing the requirements to travel at zoned speeds and adjust for conditions and circumstances.

Information on managing road works is documented and communicated in a style that is appropriate for the audience.

Training modules for vehicle operators include specific information on road maintenance hazards and controls covering:

• Roles and responsibilities for briefing, communications, and instructions
• Non-standard road conditions e.g. temporary narrowing
• How to pass or overtake an operating grader
• Communication requirements between road works crews and vehicle operators
• Hazard notification, awareness, and management e.g. the use of signs
• Scenarios based on incidents that illustrate what can go wrong

The information is provided in a format that is audience appropriate and available as a reference in the work area.

Vehicle operator training and assessment confirms managing road works across the full range of scenarios and conditions, including grader operations, is well understood and applied.

Road work briefings and with update communications take place before and across shifts.

Vehicle operator training and assessment records.

Confirmation that work area references are available.

Workplace observations during road maintenance.

Vehicle operation monitoring and reporting using proximity detection technology.

By exception incident reviews.

OFI-129 CAS Project to include providing CAS data to augment current inspection processes.

Workshop participants report that there are adequate Tarkwa mine procedures, processes, and operator training for managing interactions between road maintenance crews and operations.

While the application of processes to manage interactions can be observed and assessed, this observation performance measure is at best periodic.

Explore if CAS technology can be used to identify the subset of vehicle interactions between road maintenance vehicles and operations mobile equipment (and light vehicles). If it can, consider the value of developing performance measures for interactions with road maintenance equipment.

Induction processes for people using the road network are in place and applied at operating sites.

Induction training and underlying procedures and rules cover: 

• Site access including access to nominated areas, such as working face areas, stockpiles, reclaim areas, workshops and other high traffic locations
• Escorting requirements including vehicle communication protocols, permission to travel and general warning requirements
• Incident reporting and emergency response 
• Person Protective Clothing and Equipment (PPE) requirements 
• Strict requirements to never modify safety equipment 
• Handheld mobile phones and other personal electronic devices (PEDs) are never used when operating mobile equipment (and guidance on the presence of detection devices on these items) 
• Handheld mobile phones are never used when working around mobile equipment 

All personnel at and visitors to operating sites undertake inductions and these are recorded. Inductions clearly communicate minimum site standards. 

OFI-159 Review site communication processes including work area induction refresher frequency.

Workshop participants discussed and confirmed that work area inductions and refreshers are carried out as needed i.e. not to a regular schedule.

This has led to situations where personnel who work in the mine are not fully informed about hazards present, required controls and key contacts. Examples include road network changes and personnel changes.

Review site communication processes, including refresher inductions, to confirm that information about hazards present and their controls is getting to personnel.

Regular inspections and personal hazard awareness records are made – with non-conformance corrected or escalated as appropriate. Periodic reviews of site access logs confirm all personnel have required inductions

When fatigue monitoring systems are fitted, they have an operator alert function

Fatigue monitoring systems include a local alert function.

OFI-102 Review and formalise escalating responses for operator alertness detected by OAS.

Tarkwa Mine has installed Operator Alert System (OAS) technology and has an onsite monitoring control room. The technology and supporting processes are mature and fully operationally integrated at site.

Workshop participants confirmed that OAS technology is a significant vehicle interaction control in continuous mining operation. However, their discussion and review of procedures that escalating responses based on lapses in operator alertness are not in the procedure and are not included in OAS operator training materials. There is a response protocol is detailed in poster format for OAS monitoring staff and is applied routinely.

The Tarkwa OAS and supporting practices set a Gold Fields benchmark. Consider reviewing and updating all supporting procedures and training modules so that they capture site practice for responding to differing levels of alertness detected in-field personnel.

The alert function is confirmed as working by equipment operators as part of prestart checks, and there is a defined defect management process.

The site equipment maintenance strategy directs the servicing and maintenance of the installed technology.

Prestart equipment check records.

Site equipment maintenance records.

1. Medical providers and site based rehabilitation officers support the recovery of injured workers
2. Alternate duties are identified as required to support an injured worker transition back into their original role
3. Permanently impaired workers transition to alternate site based roles or leave the site to obtain off-site employment and care

1. When an incident occurs where a worker is injured the site rehabilitation officer engages with medical services to support a return-to-work process and document the requirements as a return-to-work plan
2. Injured workers follow their return-to-work plan whilst they are continuing to recover
3. Fully healed workers return to full time duties
4. Workers who can not return to their original roles are guided to alternate site, or off site, roles and treatment programs

OFI-166 Review RTW and rehabilitation processes

Consultant Comment: Poor control of return to work processes can lead to impaired operators working on equipment.

Workshop participants noted that medical support and rehabilitation processes present an opportunity for improvement on site. In particular the use of these processes when workers are returning from an injury (e.g. due to falls from equipment or impact from violent movements in cabins) can prevent recurrence of the injury.

Review return to work and worker rehabilitation processes.

1. Medical and rehabilitation reports are prepared by the return-to-work coordinator for review by senior leaders
2. As required the Human Resources Manager or other leaders intervene to support a worker transitioning to alternate roles, employment, or care
3. Records of injury outcomes are provided to relevant stakeholders for tracking and reporting

Information provided by screens, control panels, alerts, alarms, and other installed devices assists mobile equipment operators to deliver safe and productive outcomes.

There is a site process that considers cab ergonomics when installing screens, control panels, alerts, alarms, and other devices that:

• References site and company standards
• References industry standards e.g. AS 2359.5 – Symbols for operator controls and other displays
• Considers good practice industry research
• Consults with experienced operators, maintainers, and technicians
• Reviews and adjusts, as required, based on outcomes from installation pilots

The site process also reviews changes in cognitive load for mobile equipment operators covering:

• The additional cognitive load of newly installed or activated interfaces
• The cumulative load when combined with other screens, control panels, alerts, alarms, and devices
• The range of operating environments and circumstances that are relevant for the device or interface
• How the expected outcomes will be delivered e.g. improvements in situational awareness, operator decision making, and performance
• Related potential failure modes and their controls

The site process is applied when selecting, trialling, and installing screens, control panels, alerts, alarms, and other devices.

OFI-116 Review mobile equipment cabin ergonomic standards.

Workshop participants noted that the installation of aftermarket equipment screens in vehicle cabins is creating ergonomic problems and in some cases restricted emergency egress.

Confusing displays and alarms lead to an increased cognitive load and increase potential for operator mistakes.

Review and update cabin ergonomic and installation standards for each type of equipment in use at Tarkwa.

Records of the site process being applied.

Logs and records that demonstrate the installed device and interface is being used as designed.

Operator feedback.

Safety and operational systems on mobile equipment are maintained to a schedule and repaired when they breakdown.

Mobile equipment with compromised safety and operational systems does not operate.

Maintenance strategies in place for all mobile and related plant based on OEM requirements for inspections, replacement and lubrication of components. Work on safety systems includes proof testing where appropriate e.g. after maintenance on brakes and steering systems, for exhaust gas levels, emergency stop functions, etc.

Faults detected at prestart checks and during operations are classified and prioritised for maintenance as a defect management process. Fault types where equipment should not be used and the process to follow in this situation are well defined. 

Maintenance planners issue work orders for mobile plant in line with confirmed strategies, containing checklists, instruction, procedures, and guidance for records to be prepared and submitted on completion of the work order.

Maintenance workers conduct work order tasks in line with site requirements (which may extend beyond OEM procedures).

Completed work order records are returned to the maintenance planners for permanent storage.

Senior engineering and operational personnel review records to confirm maintenance strategy meets site requirements.

OFI-144 Review effectiveness of maintenance backlog management processes.

Workshop participants indicated that there are problems with the maintenance backlog system and incomplete mobile equipment tasks are not being rescheduled as required.

The backlog system used by maintenance planners is currently not working effectively.

Confirm if the issue is relevant for both Business partners and the review maintenance systems to confirm backlog issues are being managed and tracked through to resolution.

OFI-142 Review priorities set and planning for maintenance tasks.

Workshop participants reported that maintenance windows for equipment are frequently shortened due to production demands or lack of required components.

Incomplete maintenance works can lead to failures of key systems and unplanned breakdowns.

Review the use of component kits which confirm all required components and consumables are held before commencing a service. Also, review the priorities for maintenance tasks and consider how to effectively quarantine the maintenance windows from short term production requirement pressures.

OFI-121 Review and update site standards for headlights.

Workshop participants advise that the new replacement LED bulbs create more shadows than the traditional bulbs

Roads obscured by shadows can lead to an inability to detect rough road conditions.

Conduct a lighting survey for the different available headlight bulb types and adopt the best as a site standard. This should confirm that all new-to-site and refurbished equipment meets the requirement to provide sufficient light intensity and contrast.

Equipment availability metrics.

Reports on maintenance work order close out are prepared by maintenance planners for review by senior personnel

Metrics on the status of safety related work orders.

Reviews and investigations after significant maintenance failures.

OFI-143 Review technician numbers on shift

Workshop participants discussed frequent occasions when there are not enough technicians available on shift to perform repairs.

Delayed repairs can lead to compromised equipment being put back into service.

Review the manning levels for technicians on shift to confirm sufficient numbers are available.

Sensor and alarm faults for equipment components, systems, and installed safety devices are detected with local notification, data capture and fault information send.

There are specifications for fault reporting from sensors, alarms, and safety devices installed on mobile equipment.

The specifications include requirements for local notification, data capture and fault information send.

The specifications confirm fault priority and category and required action.

When monitoring systems for equipment components alarm or safety devices are compromised, this data is captured and is sent for analysis and review.

OFI-131 Update equipment defect management processes to include alarms.

Workshop participants discussed the benefits of extending defect reporting and Business Partner maintenance management systems to include installed technology alerts and alarms. This includes developing protocols to operate when alarms and alerts are defective.

Undetected non-functional alarms on operating mobile equipment present significant hazards for operators who assume the alert and alarm are operating.

Review the defect management system and associated training to address how to react to defective monitoring and alarm systems. Review failsafe and detection notification with technology providers and confirm that it meets site requirements.

When monitoring systems for equipment components alarm or safety devices are compromised there is local notification and relevant fault data is captured, transmitted off vehicle.

The data is transmitted, aggregated and sorted so that it is available to:

• Provide instructions back to the operator
• Monitor performance
• Prepare reports
• Undertake diagnostics and analysis

OFI-113 Review response processes for equipment alert and alarm notification.

Workshop participants confirmed that machine state alerts, alarms, and other information is transmitted back to dispatch. Advice, instructions, and directions are then relayed back via dispatch to vehicle operators.

This sequence can result in extensive delays and has resulted in equipment damage and ongoing operations with compromised systems.

Review the current process for prompting operators about machine state alarms and consider the cost and benefits of other approaches.

Accurate, timely, and tailored reports on fault reporting from sensors, alarms, and safety devices installed on mobile equipment are provided to supervisors, maintenance personnel, training, management, suppliers, contract service providers and others as required.

OFI-118 Review frequency of mobile equipment alarm system checks

Workshop participants discussed the frequency and adequacy of maintenance checks and testing of vehicle alarm and alert systems. They raised questions about consistency, quality, and scheduling of checks.

Concerns were raised on alarm systems that do not fail-to-safe. They also recognised that defective or non-functioning alert and alarm systems during vehicle operations can result in significant incidents and equipment damage.

Review site processes for checking and tests of mobile equipment alarms. Consider both OEM installed third-party technology alarms.

Mobile equipment in use always meets category standards for lights and markings.

Each category of mobile equipment has an approved standard for lights and markings.

There are comprehensive site processes in place to apply and maintain this mobile equipment standard including:

• Selection
• Site use approval
• Inspection
• Cleaning and washing
• Defect reporting
• Equipment stand down
• Repairs
• Planned maintenance including the replacement of components based on OEM schedule, recommendations, and site duty requirements.

GHG Tarkwa Traffic Management Plan, Mining Operations Procedure, TGM 1.10.54 WI as approved for use 01-03-07 provides details of site requirements for light types and use in section 6.2.1.1. Lights

Inspection, defect reporting, repair and maintenance processes that consider lights and marking for mobile equipment are consistently applied.

Prestart checks include:

• Confirming functioning lights and indicators
• Visible decals
• Whip flags (e.g. for surface mining light vehicles)
• Flashing lights (colour as specified)

OFI-144 Review effectiveness of maintenance backlog management processes.

Workshop participants indicated that there are problems with the maintenance backlog system and incomplete mobile equipment tasks are not being rescheduled as required.

The backlog system used by maintenance planners is currently not working effectively.

Confirm if the issue is relevant for both Business partners and the review maintenance systems to confirm backlog issues are being managed and tracked through to resolution.

OFI-140 Confirm that site vehicle identification standards are understood and applied.

Workshop participants confirmed that some vehicles in use do not have identification numbers in place. They also noted that this is a legal requirement in Ghana.

Vehicle identification is essential for communication.

Confirm site standards, review vehicle numbering and lights for conformance and correct as required.

OFI-121 Review and update site standards for headlights.

Workshop participants advise that the new replacement LED bulbs create more shadows than the traditional bulbs

Roads obscured by shadows can lead to an inability to detect rough road conditions.

Conduct a lighting survey for the different available headlight bulb types and adopt the best as a site standard. This should confirm that all new-to-site and refurbished equipment meets the requirement to provide sufficient light intensity and contrast.

OFI-123 Consider in-field maintenance inspections prior to planned services.

The workshop participants discussed how mobile equipment maintenance inspections are carried in the pit before scheduled maintenance by Tarkwa Mine Business Partners. They confirmed that the practice is not routine.

This sometimes results in defects not being repaired because all the maintenance requirements for a vehicle arriving for a service have not been identified.

Consider the cost benefits of implementing a process for in-field maintenance inspections to assist with maintenance planning.

1. The current and approved standard for each category of mobile equipment details requirements for lights and markings.
2. Monitoring that prestart checks are being undertaken to required standard.
3. Equipment availability metrics include defect stand down information.
4. Reports on maintenance work order close out are prepared by maintenance planners for review by senior personnel.

Mobile equipment maintenance tools, speedometers and other indicators are accurate.

Key maintenance tools and measuring components on equipment are regularly calibrated, including:

1. Speed measurement devices include speedometers
2. Operator information panels
3. OEM and third-party monitoring technology
4. Torsion wrenches and pressure monitoring devices

Inspection, calibration and maintenance is scheduled in line with OEM or third-party provided nominated maintenance strategies.

Work orders are raised and issued to achieve inspection and calibration of maintenance tools and speed measurement devices follows OEM or third-party provider schedule, recommendations.

OFI-144 Review effectiveness of maintenance backlog management processes.

Workshop participants indicated that there are problems with the maintenance backlog system and incomplete mobile equipment tasks are not being rescheduled as required.

The backlog system used by maintenance planners is currently not working effectively.

Confirm if the issue is relevant for both Business partners and the review maintenance systems to confirm backlog issues are being managed and tracked through to resolution.

1. Current inspection, calibration, maintenance, and software version records for each mobile equipment unit.
2. Maintenance status reports.

Operating sites deploy fit for purpose, effective, and reliable radios and other communication equipment.

There is a site performance standard for site radios and other communication equipment

There are comprehensive site processes that define:

• Required communication equipment by equipment category
• Required communication equipment for personnel who work around mobile equipment e.g. handheld devices
• Assigned radio channels
• Acceptable practices when communication equipment is faulty, out of range, or unavailable
• Expected maintenance performance metrics

Prestart checks, defect reporting, radio channel allocation, signal coverage, repair, maintenance, and other processes relevant to communications equipment are consistently applied.

OFI-151 Review site processes and confirm that they are adequate to support required radio communications.

Workshop participants discussed site processes and schedules for the routine checking of radios in mobile equipment. This includes prestart checks, defect reporting, and scheduled maintenance of radios and site infrastructure. It also incudes confirming minimum requirements for radios in heavy mobile equipment, service vehicles, light vehicles and for pedestrians.

Surface mining operations typically deliver safe and productive outcomes using radios to support disciplined positive communications to manage interactions in working areas. Workshop participants report that radio faults do occur and that pre start and routine schedules for checking radios and communication infrastructure are inconsistent.

Review site processes and confirm that they are adequate to support required radio communications. Involve Business Partners in the review.

OFI-110 Review Tarkwa Communications Infrastructure and Radio Use.

Workshop participants report that there are ongoing site issues with communication equipment, including competition for radio use, incorrect use of radios, and network blind spots in the mine.

Effective radio and data communications are essential for safe and productive mine operations and cover positive communications and dispatch.

Review radio use discipline, radio availability e.g. radios in light vehicles accessing the pit, network coverage etc. Establish site minimum standards.

OFI-115 Improve quality of data networks on site.

Workshop participants noted that there are frequent disconnects due to poor signal and network challenges around the Tarkwa operations.

With loss of signal the ability for dispatch to contact and advise operators of responses to alarm states is impaired.

Improve quality and reliability of site data networks to support timely and reliable alarm responses.

Maintenance planners close out work orders when completed and prepare regular status and performance reports for communications equipment.

Work orders for equipment repair are completed in a timely manner.

Equipment operators carry our prestart checks to confirm equipment can be operated and work area hazards are identified and managed. Equipment that is compromised does not operate.

Equipment operators are competent and supported to carry equipment and work area prestart checks.

Mobile equipment prestart checks include:

• Brakes including warning systems
• Steering including warning systems 
• Tyres and other running gear
• Conditions of vehicle – load carrying elements, guards and covers, lights and signage, hydraulic lines, and ground engaging tools
• Access and egress (normal and emergency) in good condition and accessible
• Communications (radios etc.)
• Fire extinguishers and fire suppression system status,
• Any attachments, e.g. buckets, jacks, lifting equipment, spare wheels etc.

Faults detected at prestart checks and during operations are classified:

• When equipment cannot continue to operate and how to manage repair or removal from work area
• When equipment can continue to be operated (and communication of tolerable faults)

Work area checks include identifying and managing hazards from: Vehicle moving off; Obstacles; Road conditions; Weather (rain, wind (dust), other threats), and; Vision and sight line restrictions

GHG Tarkwa Traffic Management Plan, Mining Operations Procedure, TGM 1.10.54 WI as approved for use 01-03-07

6.2. Mobile Equipment

If any part of an item of mobile equipment or light vehicle is not fully operational, the machinery or vehicle is to be tagged out of service and the maintenance department informed. The equipment is not to be used until repairs are completed.

6.2.1.8. Radio Use

All mine vehicles shall be fitted with radio and shall change to the Mining Operations channel when travelling in and around mining area. Any vehicle that does not have access to a radio capable of receiving channels must be escorted whilst on the haul roads and the Pit areas. Areas such as the Process Plant and construction sites where communication is required must be done through the 2-way radio system.

OFI-134 Consider mandating fitted radios for all mine vehicles.

Workshop participants discussed situations where vehicles are routinely entering the mine without functioning radios. Many personnel operating light vehicles in the pit use hand held radios.

Inability to contact other vehicles, or be contacted, can lead to misunderstandings and cause vehicle collisions.

Confirm the site equipment specifications requirements for fitted and functioning radios. Communicate site requirements and consider having radio checks when buggy whips are fitted to light vehicles. Reduce the reliance on portable radios e.g. to pedestrians and escorts. Consider mandating fitted radios on all mine vehicles.

Equipment operators are trained, competent and authorised to carry equipment and work area prestart checks before operating equipment.

Prestart checklists are prepared for each type of equipment.

Prestart equipment and work area checks are logged.

There is a site defect reporting and management system.

Consultant Comment – Multiple incidents in the provided data set relate to wheels falling off during operations. the use of wheel nut indicators can reduce the potential for pre-use inspections to fail to detect loose or failing studs.

OFI-133 Review site pre-start processes.

Workshop participants advised that pre-start books are not always available. When they are not available they are not used and vehicles go into operation without a proper check.

Failure to conduct appropriate pre-starts can lead to vehicle or key component failures during operations.

Review site pre-start systems considering a potential to use a digital option with maintenance system connects rather than relying on printed paper books.

Supervisors monitor the quality of operator prestart checks.

Maintenance planners review prestart forms and raise work orders as required.

Prestart records confirm that checks of work areas and key systems, including – communications, brakes, steering, tyres and running gear are completed.

Prestart checks confirm that mobile equipment alarms, monitors and information panels are working.

Mobile equipment operators conduct prestart checks, or monitor equipment self-checks, to confirm alarms, monitors, and information panels are working.

There is a well-defined site defect management process to manage faults before and during operations. It includes what actions to take based on fault type.

OFI-111 Include CAS and OAS Checks in Pre-Starts.

Workshop participants discussed how Collision Avoidance Systems (CAS) and Fatigue Management (OAS) devices are checked before use.

It is reported that CAS and OAS checks are not part of operator pre-start equipment checks.

Review mobile equipment pre-start check process, consider opportunities to include OAS and CAS technology checks. Confirm fault categories and expected actions if faults or defects are reported.

Mobile equipment operators are trained and competent in conducting and monitoring equipment prestart checks. This training includes:

• Alarm checks
• Alarm response
• Monitor and information panel check
• Monitoring status and responding to monitor and information panel checks
• Managing faults and defects during operations

1. Training record review confirm the currency of vehicle operator skills including alarm and other indicator prestart checks and meanings and expected response.
2. Prestart records confirm that checks are completed.
3. Supervisors monitor and coach on the quality of operator prestart checks.
4. Maintenance planners review prestart forms and raise work orders as required.
5. As required investigations of alarm, monitor, and information panel faults.

OFI-147 Review Review Light Vehicle Prestart Process

Light vehicle prestart checks are required and carried out at Tarkwa mine.

Workshop participants report that LV prestart checks are generic and do not include installed technology and communications equipment. Also some forms are not submitted on time.

Review Light Vehicle prestart check process, confirm that reporting and defect management processes are satisfactory. Confirm requirements for prestart checks for CAS and OAS technology and communications equipment.

OFI-118 Review frequency of mobile equipment alarm system checks

Workshop participants discussed the frequency and adequacy of maintenance checks and testing of vehicle alarm and alert systems. They raised questions about consistency, quality, and scheduling of checks.

Concerns were raised on alarm systems that do not fail-to-safe. They also recognised that defective or non-functioning alert and alarm systems during vehicle operations can result in significant incidents and equipment damage.

Review site processes for checking and tests of mobile equipment alarms. Consider both OEM installed third-part technology alarms.

There are minimum standards for the installation, inspection and maintenance of lighting, delineation, and signs that assist vehicle operators maintain situational awareness.

Designs and construction requirements include standards for lighting of high traffic areas (e.g. around the mine infrastructure areas, vehicle (including remotely controlled) operating areas, dump edges, intersections, etc.) and signs to alert vehicle operators of road network requirements.  Permanent signs are erected to provide warnings around fixed infrastructure and temporary signs or warning devices (traffic cones, barrier tape, etc.) are used around temporary work areas or road network hazards not yet repaired.

Survey marks out the requirements for road network infrastructure to meet site requirements.

Road construction crews place and maintain permanent and temporary lighting, communication and information signage around the road network.

Work crews place demarcation and warning signage around their work areas and nominated access routes.

‘As built’ is checked off against design by operations.

GHG Tarkwa Traffic Management Plan, Mining Operations Procedure, TGM 1.10.54 WI as approved for use 01-03-07

6.1.6. Traffic Signage Road signs are located on all roads throughout the site. They shall be obeyed at all times and apply to light and heavy vehicle drivers. Sufficient warning signs need to indicate potential dangers. Signs shall be kept clean and well-maintained so that they are always visible. No vehicle is to proceed beyond a no-entry sign or barricade unless the specific authorization of a supervisor has been obtained.

OFI-141 Review, update, and apply the Tarkwa Traffic Management Plan

GHG Tarkwa Traffic Management Plan, Mining Operations Procedure, TGM 1.10.54 WI was first approved for use on the 01-03-07. It is still current but has not been reviewed and updated since initial publication. It is a comprehensive document that confirms a range of site design and operating requirements that reflect good mine design and operating practice at Tarkwa.

However, during the Tarkwa 2024 Vehicle Interaction Control Effectiveness (VICE) review, workshop participants identified misalignments between this key reference document and operational practice and conditions. These include:

• Road and ramp conditions – construction and maintenance
• Non-conforming intersections and circles (roundabout) design and construction  
• Limited availability and use of radios for general pit communications
• Unclear Positive communications e.g. passing, and approaching mobile equipment
• Obscured or missing Traffic Signage
• Lack of infrastructure and signage to support management of pedestrians 
• Parking practices not aligned with documented requirements for physical segregation from heavy vehicles

These issues were confirmed by supporting consultants during mine tours and interviews.

Consider a review of the Tarkwa Traffic Management plan in conjunction with the development of Gold Fields Minimum Standards for Vehicle interaction controls. At a minimum the review should revisit and update minimum requirements for:

• Intersection design – bench mark against industry developments since 2007 including defaults to T intersections where possible
• Simplifying intersection design and construction to fully leverage upgrades and to support successful further deployment of CAS technology
• Road and ramp maintenance
• Positive communications protocols and practices

OFI-173 Improve in pit lighting and monitor status.

Poor levels of lighting and area lighting in the Pit on nightshift can lead to operator errors.

Workshop participants discussed and confirmed regular situations where lighting in the pit areas is below standard.

Review the standards for and practices around installing lighting towers and other area lighting in and around the pit. Consider developing across shift reports confirming lighting measurement status meets site standards.

OFI-107 Improve site delineation processes and practices.

Workshop participants discussed and confirmed that delineators are not always visible around road network.

Operators rely on the spacing of delineator to assist with maintaining clearance when following other vehicles.

Review current standard for installing delineators, compare with site practices for road construction, inspection, and maintenance. Consider developing a site program to improve and maintain delineation standards and other road network standards e.g. signage and lighting.

Survey records.

As built plans with sign-off.

Workplace inspections.

By exception incident investigations.

There are formal processes in place for managing changes in conditions that can compromise safe production.

Procedures in place for managing changes to normal mobile equipment operations covering:

• Electrical storms
• High winds and raised dust
• Reduced visibility (e.g. fog, mist, loss of area lighting)
• Road pavement conditions (wet, damaged, etc.)
• Compromised access controls, etc.

Also conditions which compromise normal road traffic operations such as:

• Limited access to working areas
• Short term work plans increase vehicle movements and interaction intensity
• External traffic movements e.g. escorting loads

Consider developing Trigger Action Response Plans for site relevant changes in conditions. Use gradated levels with required responses such as:

• Green Level. Threat is not present or can be well managed using routine processes and equipment.
• Yellow Level (optional). Threat is present but not yet hazardous. This level is communicating situation detail, increasing awareness, and monitoring and communication changes.
• Amber Level. Threat level has increased and can be managed through changes to processes and heightened vigilance of workers and supervisors.
• Red Level. Threat is continuing to increase and workers (apart from any deployed to reduce the threat) are withdrawn to safe locations.

Supervisors and workers are trained in developed TARPs and their competence is confirmed.

Conditions beyond those expected trigger an appropriate response from sites escalating awareness and ceasing operations as appropriate.

Significant (Amber and above) triggers are communicated to more senior personnel on site.

Training and awareness records.

TARP levels and site responses are approved and in-date.

Records of communications and notifications of Amber and Red levels, including with external parties as required.

OFI-137 Review understanding for applying processes when there are significant changes in operating conditions or circumstances.

Workshop participants confirmed that there are site processes in place for dealing with changes in operating conditions and circumstances e.g. third parties on mine site.

However, they questioned knowledge and awareness levels on the application of these processes, including triggers for their implementation and key actions that follow.

Review understanding and capability of operators and other in-field personnel e.g. drillers and field maintenance to notify and act on changes in operating conditions and circumstances.

Proximity Detection Systems meet site functional, performance, and technical requirements and deliver capable solution outcomes.

Proximity Detection Systems are selected to deliver site relevant Capable Solution Use Case

• A capable solution delivers better vehicle interaction control performance by improving the quality of decision-making from task execution through to mine operations and design.
• A capable solution considers relevant aspects of the operating environment, production requirements and equipment design.
• Where technology is a part of a capable solution, it is operationally integrated.

The Capable Solution Use Case has these elements:

Technology Functional Requirements – these define what new technology Vehicle Interaction Controls can and do not do.

• Identify relevant company vehicle interaction requirements for new technology controls (EMESRT Level 8 and 9) based on operation type: e.g. underground coal mining, underground hard rock mining, open cut mining, refinery etc.
• Upgrade potential, data management and fit with future mine digitisation plans and other relevant information for each option.
• Compare site and company requirements, identify any difference e.g. additional site-specific requirements and/or restrictions e.g. requirement for machine swing interlocks, orebody precludes use of magnetic field PDS etc.

Technology Performance Requirements – site performance requirements are determined by site personnel considering the site personnel considering the consequences of operating without the new technology control in place.

• Review site equipment defect reporting and classification processes.
• Working with operational personnel, set version 1 of expected performance parameters.
• Summarise site expected performance capability, installation and maintenance costs, upgrade potential, data management and fit with future mine digitisation plans and other relevant information in that can be deployed in a Request for Proposal (RFP) and to assess responses.

Site Technical and Infrastructure Requirements – where relevant, these cover technical requirements to support the deployment, installation, and operational integration of new controls e.g. extensions of site WiFi networks, installation of private 5G networks.

Include questions on technical and infrastructure requirements in Request for Proposal (RFP).

Prepare a site functional, performance and technical specification for use when issuing a Request for Proposal (RFP), assessing, and selecting VI Collision Control technology options offered by Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and Third-party technology suppliers.

Applying User Requirements to assess and select technology to:

• Prepare a comprehensive Request for Proposal (RFP) for potential collision control technology provider Capable Solution User Requirements
• Issue the RFP to potential technology providers asking for details of how their product performance against site functional and performance requirements.
• In the RFP, confirm site technical and infrastructure requirements if that technology option is selected.
• Review each RFP response and summarise capability, installation and maintenance costs, logistical support, upgrade potential, data management and fit with future mine digitisation plans and other relevant information for each option.
• Select the best fit from technology suppliers and prepare a shortlist for senior management review and decision.
• Include and assessment of the costs and benefit of each shortlisted option including:
• The Credible Failure Mode(s) being addressed from VICE Baseline
• Potential new Credible Failure Modes
• Impacts on other current Vehicle Interaction Controls
• Practicality and impact, has the approach been applied elsewhere?

Pilot work with technology option personnel and experienced site personnel to:

• Plan a feasibility pilot for vehicle interaction control improvement technology projects approved by senior management (consider a multi-stage feasibility pilot with stage gates to identify and deselect shortlisted options that do meet site expectations)
• Train people who will work directly with the technology option and make the balance of the workforce aware of the feasibility pilot(s).
• Report back on feasibility pilot results and confirm the results align with User Requirements, include feedback from operational personnel involved in the feasibility pilot.
• Summarise the outcomes from each technology option feasibility pilot against Site User Requirements. Consider functional, performance, technical, infrastructure, logistics and support requirements if the technology option is selected.

Based on the pilot results, make a go- or no-go decision on operational deployment.

OFI-139 Confirm and Communicate Plan and Timelines for CAS installation

At the time of the November 2024 Vehicle Interaction Control Effectiveness (VICE) review, only part of the mobile equipment fleet at Tarkwa mine was operating with collision avoidance systems (CAS) installed.

Mobile equipment operating without an installed CAS system installed is invisible. Workshop participants support the further installation of CAS systems and consider that light vehicles are a priority category.

Communicate details on project priorities, timelines for installation, and management commitment to further improve vehicle interaction controls at Tarkwa Mine.

OFI-127 Identify and link VICE workshop outputs relevant to the CAS Project

Workshop participants highlighted the importance of getting the collision avoidance system in place and operating at Tarkwa.

Lack of complete coverage of CAS leads vehicles not being readily visible in operations and there are many failure modes. Many of these can be addressed by having test stations installed at all go lines.

Workshop participants support the CAS project and support linking their issues and opportunities for improvement captured in the VICE workshop to the project.

When implementing vehicle interaction control improvement technology projects consider:

• Demands on operations during deployment e.g. releasing personnel for training, making mobile equipment available for technology installations.
• Logistics and infrastructure upgrade timing, these may be determined by availability of technology and key personnel.
• Practical management of performance requirements e.g. how are technology failures managed.
• Following deployment what roles will be accountable and responsible for control effectiveness, involve these roles in operational deployment before project handover.
• Stakeholder management covering how feedback will be captured during deployment and after handover.
• Impacts on existing site process and approaches e.g. supervisor workloads, availability of technicians for maintenance and repairs, capacity of digital infrastructure, reporting capability etc.
• The direct performance metrics provided by technology, including how the information will be applied to support decision making at multiple levels including:
• Responses to non-standard events detected by technology.
• Adjustment of technology configurations and thresholds based on site functional requirements.
• Applying aggregated data to review and improve current design and operating approaches.
• Practical management of performance requirements e.g. how are technology failures managed.
• How to leverage new performance metrics indirectly to improve understanding of the effectiveness of existing vehicle interaction controls.

OFI-130 Leverage technology to improve vehicle interaction monitoring by category and location.

As with every other large mining operation, there are thousands of vehicle interactions each day at Tarkwa mine. Without leveraging technology, analysing interaction patterns at scale is not possible.

Current approaches to assess and monitor performance are based on observations by individuals.

Explore if CAS technology, or technology combinations such as CAS and Dispatch can be used to identify different subsets of vehicle interactions e.g. heavy vehicle to light vehicle, pedestrian interactions, service truck, maintainer vehicles to operations equipment etc. If it can, consider the value of developing performance measures for different categories of vehicle interaction. Include location in the analysis.

Loading, transporting and dumping (unloading) of mobile equipment with bulk materials is safe and productive.

The loading system must be designed so that the vehicle cabin is prevented from being under a load that could exceed the maximum weight impact for the cabin or impact vehicle stability.

Operational and safety requirements are specified in procedures and other documents and media e.g. instructional videos. They provide information to the operator about:

• Vehicle access
• Vehicle loading, travelling and unloading (including waste)
• Vehicle exit
• Leaving the vehicle during loading
• Emergency response

They include relevant change management thresholds such as:

• Changes in vehicle type
• New operators

OFI-100 Review site processes for managing non-standard loads.

Workshop participants discussed site processes and practices for the safe movement of non-standard loads. They identified gaps in how operators are informed and the application of required controls for managing non-standard loads.

Review site documentation for movement of loads and associated training modules and confirm that control advice is adequate e.g. maintaining load stability for wet bulk loads, load placement, route planning, use of escorts, the role of spotters when reversing etc.

Engineering sign-off that the loading system and the vehicle in use meet are fit for use.

Vehicle operators are trained and assessed in loading requirements, including emergency response.

Supervisor oversight.

Equipment selection records.

Training records.

Supervisor inspection records of loading operations.

Vehicles and operators that are not approved for unrestricted site access, are escorted. Site escort requirements are clear and deliver safe and productive outcomes.

Sites have a consistent, defined, and measurable escort process for managing access when:

• When vehicles are not approved for general site access
• Vehicle operators who do not have required site permits or licences

The escort process defines:

• Where, and in what circumstances it applies
• The experience and competency required before an escort is authorised
• Who must be notified, how they are notified, and when they are notified
• Communication requirements between the vehicles under escort and the escort
• Equipment required e.g. radios, lights, Collision Avoidance Systems, flags, etc.
• Approval steps and documentation requirements e.g. permits, gatehouse logs etc.

OFI-105 Review site escort training and approval processes.

At Tarkwa Mine, site engineering procedures confirm requirements for providing escorts in operating areas. Workshop participants discussed training for personnel who drive the light vehicles that provide escorts covering radio communications, route planning, speed, load management etc.

They recognised that current site practices could lead to situations where less experienced personnel with inadequate site knowledge were used to provide escorts.

Consider the benefits of formal training and approval processes for site escorts, based on site procedures.

The site escort process is applied, and vehicle operators being escorted are briefed on:

• Communication protocols
• Travel separation distances
• Restricted locations
• Road conditions
• Emergency protocols
• Other site requirements 
• Parking and first movement requirements

Personnel who provide the escort are authorised and competent, and confirm that escorted vehicles are operated and parked in accordance with site requirements.

Required site documents are completed.

OFI-164 Review site planning for escorts

Tarkwa Mine has established escort requirements for explosive trucks and non-site equipment such as mobile cranes.

Workshop participants discussed requirements and identified situations where site escort processes have not been applied i.e. a driver unfamiliar with site traffic requirements was operating on site.

Review site work planning and logistics control processes, confirm they include a step that identifies when escort is required with timely notification to operations so that escorts are available at the required time.

OFI-160 Review escort process consider qualifications and authorisation.

Workshop participants advised that there are occasions where external parties provide escorts to site locations.

Escorts provided by external parties introduce training and experience issues. The practice can also lead to situations where an external escort is unaware of updated or temporary site traffic requirements and situations.

Review site minimum standards for escort qualifications and authorisation. Include site communication requirements e.g. radio channels, use of CAS, informing operations etc.

Escort documentation.

Authorisation records for personnel approved to act as escorts.

Escort notification records.

Supervisors and mobile equipment operators monitor performance of escorts and escorted vehicles.

Passing of vehicles in operational areas is clear, applied and requires vehicle identification and positive communications.

There are site standards, processes, procedures, and work instructions, that detail communications requirements when passing vehicles. At a minimum these cover:

• Where and when passing is permitted
• Radio (or other communications) call up protocols
• Mobile equipment identification
• Confirming that communication has been received

Training and Assessment in requirements for Positive Communications for passing a vehicle are included and reinforced in multiple training and awareness modules e.g. operator training and area inductions.

Requirements are routinely reinforced and communicated at shift briefings covering:

• Active haul circuits and work areas.
• Information on where passing is permitted.
• Communications requirements.

Gold Fields Ghana-Tarkwa Mine Light Vehicle Driver Presentation – Slide 30 – Always ensure there is some contact between you and the person driving the vehicle you want to overtake…

OFI-152 Review the design and application of positive communication processes at site

Workshop participants discussed the application of positive communication processes to identify vehicles and confirm permissions when entering active haul circuits, work areas, and when passing.

Consultant Comment: workshop participants comprehensively reviewed the industry good practice references and made comparisons with Tarkwa mining practices and circumstances. Notable discussion points and differences include:

• Tarkwa mine operates as a typical large long-term metalliferous open cut mine
• Positive communication radio protocols are not routinely applied
• Communications using horns to notify of movements is undertaken
• Pedestrians are routinely in the work zone at Tarkwa e.g. leading hands and geologists
• Load and Haul operations are congested with diggers often working in close proximity
• Drill and Blast operations are routinely alongside Load and Haul operations
• Multiple workgroups access operational areas using light vehicles that park close to the dig areas
• Truck movements are managed through the Fleet Management System including truck approaching the digger
• The two contracting groups use different radio channels while sharing some haul roads
• Personnel in light vehicles use hand held radios for communication when the are in the pit
• Personnel in light vehicles can access active mining areas without having a radio
• Vehicle identification and location is more challenging at night

Safe and productive mining operations are delivered when personnel operating vehicles remain alert and situationally aware and there is a coordinated and consistent approach to manage interactions. Surface mining operations typically deliver these outcomes using a combination of approaches that include a disciplined positive communications approach.

Review Tarkwa site standards, expectations, and practices for positive communication to manage vehicle interactions. Consider benchmarking with other Gold Fields surface operations to confirm minimum standards. Involve Business Partners in the review.

Consultant Comment – Positive communication protocols and requirements normally are more formal giving an example like “Light Vehicle 45 to Haul Truck 22 can I pass on your right hand side –> Haul Truck 22 to Light Vehicle 45 – yes, you are Ok to pass –> Light Vehicle 45 to Haul Truck 22 thank you I have now passed and am out of your area”

Training system records confirm currency of skills.

Supervisors and peers monitor vehicle operator radio calls and actions.

Training records confirm the currency of vehicle operator understanding of communication requirements.

Specified review period to retain competencies are stated and tracked.

Site load movements are well planned, and hazards are identified and managed.

There are site processes in place for planning and managing materials and equipment load movements covering:

Load movements

• Identifying and managing complex or heavy load requirements (including downward forces (excavators and loaders))
• Equipment selection for loading and unloading – confirming the load is within the rated capacity
• Transport equipment selection – confirming the load is within the rated capacity and appropriate for the planned transport route
• Load restraints
• Transport routes consider interactions with other workgroups including travel speeds
• Unloading locations and tip points are level, stable, and suited to the vehicle and load being unloaded or tipped
• Notifications and warning e.g. to operations
• Barriers between the load and personnel in the transport vehicle
• As required off-site transport permits

Hazardous materials transport

• Flammable liquids or explosives are transported in rated and approved vehicles
• Site notification, communication, and warnings are deployed

SAFE LOADING, TRANSPORTATION AND UNLOADING OF VEHICLES, Ver 6 2/1/23, Ref TGM 2.10.013 WI – Points cover safe loading, load distribution, load size and shape, and vehicle operation

OFI-100 Review site processes for managing non-standard loads.

Workshop participants discussed site processes and practices for the safe movement of non-standard loads. They identified gaps in how operators are informed and the application of required controls for managing non-standard loads.

Review site documentation for movement of loads and associated training modules and confirm that control advice is adequate e.g. maintaining load stability for wet bulk loads, load placement, route planning, use of escorts, the role of spotters when reversing etc.

Personnel apply site processes to plan and execute safe and productive load movements.

Personnel involved in the movement of loads understand their accountabilities and are authorised to apply site processes for:

• Identifying load weights
• Equipment required for loading and unloading
• Equipment required for transporting
• Determining transport route constraints
• Documentation, notification, communication, and warning
• Identifying and managing other hazards

OFI-174 Review linking VIMS overload capability to dispatch

Failing to gather, transfer and act on information about loads being carried by haul trucks can result in equipment damage, vehicle over-speeds, and unwanted vehicle interactions e.g. through spillage, mobile equipment breakdown etc.

Workshop participants identified that the Tarkwa Mine vehicle information management system (VIMS) has the capability to inform maintainers of overload conditions but this system is not yet linked to the dispatch system.

Consider linking VIMS to dispatch so that overloading situations and trends can be monitored and notified to effectively manage overloading.

OFI-156 Review site towing practices.

Workshop participants advised that there have been incidents when towing broken down equipment from the pit.

Inadequate towing practices can result in equipment under tow run aways and uncontrolled interactions on the road network.

Review site towing practices, confirm that both business partners have approaches that meet site standards.

Load movement plans are documented and logged.

By exception equipment damage and incident investigation findings.

Hazardous material movement audits.

Transport equipment maintenance records e.g. barriers remain in place

All personnel operating vehicles remain alert and situationally aware when working in congested areas.

There are site standards, processes, procedures, and work instructions, that detail vehicle entry requirements to congested work areas e.g. when loading and dumping, or when accessing workshop areas

At a minimum, these detail:

• Work area delineation (where to stop and queue etc.)
• Radio (or other communications) call up protocols
• Identification
• Confirming that communication has been received
• Following signs and directions.

Training and Assessment in requirements for Positive Communications for Entering a Work Area requirements are included and reinforced in multiple training and awareness modules e.g. operator training and area inductions.

Requirements are routinely reinforced and communicated at shift briefings covering:

• Active haul circuits and work areas
• Information on the area owners and communications before entry.

Permanent or mobile signs are provided with call up requirements.

OFI-152 Review the design and application of positive communication processes at site

Workshop participants discussed the application of positive communication processes to identify vehicles and confirm permissions when entering active haul circuits, work areas, and when passing.

Consultant Comment: workshop participants comprehensively reviewed the industry good practice references and made comparisons with Tarkwa mining practices and circumstances. Notable discussion points and differences include:

• Tarkwa mine operates as a typical large long-term metalliferous open cut mine
• Positive communication radio protocols are not routinely applied
• Communications using horns to notify of movements is undertaken
• Pedestrians are routinely in the work zone at Tarkwa e.g. leading hands and geologists
• Load and Haul operations are congested with diggers often working in close proximity
• Drill and Blast operations are routinely alongside Load and Haul operations
• Multiple workgroups access operational areas using light vehicles that park close to the dig areas
• Truck movements are managed through the Fleet Management System including truck approaching the digger
• The two contracting groups use different radio channels while sharing some haul roads
• Personnel in light vehicles use hand held radios for communication when the are in the pit
• Personnel in light vehicles can access active mining areas without having a radio
• Vehicle identification and location is more challenging at night

Safe and productive mining operations are delivered when personnel operating vehicles remain alert and situationally aware and there is a coordinated and consistent approach to manage interactions. Surface mining operations typically deliver these outcomes using a combination of approaches that include a disciplined positive communications approach.

Review Tarkwa site standards, expectations, and practices for positive communication to manage vehicle interactions. Consider benchmarking with other Gold Fields surface operations to confirm minimum standards. Involve Business Partners in the review.

1. Training records confirm the currency of vehicle operator understanding of communication requirements.
2. Specified review period to retain competencies are stated and tracked.
3. Supervisors monitor vehicle operator performance.
4. Supervisors and peers monitor vehicle operator radio calls and actions

Refuelling of mobile equipment is productive and safe.

Operating sites have refuelling procedures that confirm requirements for:

• Mobile equipment refuelling system specifications
• Operation of fuel transfer systems
• Refuelling of vehicles, equipment and fixed plant – management of interactions between service vehicles and operating vehicles
• Housekeeping in refuelling bays and requirements for inspection of fire suppression systems and fire extinguishers
• Emergency procedures including spill response
• Replacement or changing of fuel cells or storage tanks
• For underground operations – refuelling outside refuelling bays

Training and assessment for personnel responsible for refuelling.

Training and assessment for mobile equipment operators.

Site refuelling infrastructure and equipment meets site standards.

Housekeeping Inspections.

Training system currency of refueller skills.

Audits of site refuelling infrastructure and equipment.

Approved and in-date emergency response plans and periodic exercises.

OFI-154 Review refuelling practices and processes on site

Workshop participants identified situations where mobile equipment refuelling is not happening at designated locations, spotters are not used, and communication between operators and service personnel is inadequate.

Unexpected and unintended movement of vehicles during refuelling has resulted in incidents at site and across the mining industry including fires, and vehicle collisions.

Review site refuelling requirements and confirm that they are being applied to deliver safe and effective refuelling operations.

Site access infrastructure controls are in place and permissions to enter operational areas are clear, applied, and well managed.

There are site standards, processes, procedures, work instructions, and specification to manage site and area access for personnel (including third parties), animals, and mobile equipment. These cover:

1. Site operational areas, other locations, and circumstances where access controls are required e.g. blasting, autonomous mining, and other high consequence activities etc.
2. How these areas are delineated and identified e.g. sign posts, site maps, geo fencing, (boom) gates, barriers etc
3. Who is accountable for controlling access e.g. security or sentries for blasting
4. Specifications for any required physical infrastructure e.g. fences, permanent barriers, temporary barriers, light curtain interlocks, security gates, turnstiles etc.
5. Minimum standards for authorised access to a controlled area e.g. vehicle marking and lights, PPE, training and awareness, permitted persons (inspectors, etc.), notification requirements (in and out) etc.
6. How access standards are monitored e.g. regular inspections to confirm boundary, barrier and delineation performance integrity.
7. How access permissions are monitored e.g. access system reports
8. The process for dealing with unauthorised access by direct and indirect employees and by third-parties or animals.

GHG Tarkwa Traffic Management Plan, Mining Operations Procedure, TGM 1.10.54 WI as approved for use 01-03-07

6.1.4. Pedestrian Segregation

The greatest risk to pedestrians is from vehicles and mobile equipment. Pedestrian activity within the operational areas shall be restricted wherever possible, particularly in hours of darkness. For certain operations, “no entry” zones shall be identified and clearly marked by signs, fencing, cones, etc. Employees shall not enter active operational areas as pedestrians unless authorized to do so.

Where practicable, pedestrian routes or zones shall be established and designated with suitable signs, barriers, road markings, etc., particularly where equipment is operating or maneuvering. Such areas would be equipment and vehicle parking areas, around static equipment and buildings, particularly workshops.

6.1.4.1. Segregation between Heavy Equipment and Light Vehicles

Segregation shall be observed at the following locations:

• • At the digging floor in-pit, light vehicle parking shall be demarcated with cones/delineators. Where this is not possible, light vehicles shall park close to light equipment locations at digging floors.
  • At the Stockpiles/ Waste Dump, light vehicles shall park far away from active dumping locations or next to light equipment locations.
  • At the drilling site, designated light vehicle locations shall be established and used appropriately.
  • Parking locations (such as the Go-Line, HME Workshop, TSF), shall be so designed to prevent both light vehicles and heavy equipment parking together. Designated areas for heavy equipment must be separate from light vehicles.
  • The Clear 20-Rule shall be observed at all times in the mining area for equipment/equipment, equipment/light vehicle and equipment/human interactions.

OFI-134 Consider mandating fitted radios for all mine vehicles.

Workshop participants discussed situations where vehicles are routinely entering the mine without functioning radios. Many personnel operating light vehicles in the pit use hand held radios.

Inability to contact other vehicles, or be contacted, can lead to misunderstandings and cause vehicle collisions.

Confirm the site equipment specifications requirements for fitted and functioning radios. Communicate site requirements and consider having radio checks when buggy whips are fitted to light vehicles. Reduce the reliance on portable radios e.g. to pedestrians and escorts. Consider mandating fitted radios on all mine vehicles.

1. Training and assessment in applying relevant site access requirements are included and reinforced in multiple training and awareness modules for direct and indirect employees.
2. Fences and gates are included in site maintenance strategies and are regularly inspected and maintained
3. Security patrols confirm integrity of boundary and alert site personnel if entry is occurring or has occurred.
4. Sentries provide warning to approaching vehicles and notify workers inside perimeter if an entry is required to occur.
5. Security patrols, sentries and others complete inspection forms to confirm site requirements are being met.
6. Barriers to high consequence areas are installed and maintained to meet requirements.
7. Work area barriers are regularly inspected and maintained.

OFI-158 Review work area access processes.

Workshop participants discussed and identified situations when operational area access controls have not been applied. This includes missing signs and failures to communicate.

This has resulted in incidents where unexpected vehicles enter working areas.

Review site processes for controlling access to operational areas including work area inspections that confirm signs are in place.

1. Training and induction records are created and controlled in site information management systems.
2. Inspection records are created and reviewed by more senior personnel on site.
3. Access logs and reports are generated and maintained.
4. By exception reporting and investigation of access barrier failures.
5. Audits of high consequence site activities e.g. blasting, autonomous mining etc.

There should be a formal approach to emergency preparedness on site. It should include local response, emergency response through to crisis management.

There should be a formal approach to emergency preparedness on site. It should include local response, emergency response through to crisis management and may include formal liaison with external agencies.

Specific response plans for foreseeable site emergencies e.g. traumatic injuries, entrapment, rescue from heights, fires, spills etc. are:

• Prepared
• Resourced (equipment and personnel)
• Practiced and tested
• Reviewed and improved
• Maintained

At a minimum, site emergency response capability requires that:

• All personnel at site know how to notify a site emergency
• All employees (direct and indirect) understand first-response actions after notification for fires, injuries, spills, and other foreseeable incidents
• There are trained and competent emergency responders, supported with appropriate equipment, and who may be supported by external agencies
• There are processes to notify and carry out emergency evacuations

A senior site position is accountable for site emergency and crisis management response and recovery capability.

Emergency response plans have a review cycle and are also reviewed after incidents. Emergency response information is available in the workplace in a format that is audience appropriate.

Visitor inductions include emergency notification and evacuation requirements.

Employees (direct and indirect) are trained in:

• Emergency notification
• First response – first aid, fire fighting etc.
• Evacuation
• Where relevant – the use of self-rescuers and refuge chambers

Emergency responders:

• Are trained and competent to manage foreseeable site emergencies
• Have access to up to date plans, support materials, and navigation aids
• Have access to adequate equipment to manage foreseeable emergencies

OFI-150 Update emergency response requirements across all roles.

Workshop participants discussed site emergency response processes and identified situations where personnel have not acted as expected based on emergency response process design and training. Issues discussed include continuing to operate during an emergency and entering  the emergency locations.

Unexpected vehicle or pedestrian movements while responding to an emergency can compromise the response.

Review operator understanding of their expected actions for a range of typical site emergencies e.g. fire, tyre incident, vehicle incident, third-part on site etc. Include site response processes including ceasing operations and not entering emergency locations. Review current training and awareness materials and refresher schedules and update as required.

Capability reports for Emergency Responders, Employees, and Visitors.

Reviews of emergency response drills.

Maintenance reports on the status of site emergency response equipment.

By exception incident reviews.

There is an effective document and information management system in place that meets requirements and prevents sensitive information being shared inappropriately.

• Company information is documented, applied by operating sites projects, and continually improved.
• Management System components are prepared in a style appropriate for their intended audience.
• Storage duration and access restrictions are specified for different information and document types.
• Provision of information to required onsite, company, and third parties is enabled by the system.

OFI-101 Resolve document reference duplicates for different GHG operations

Consultant Comment: During ‘work as documented’ mapping for Tarkwa, documents for Damang were also provided. Some of these had duplicate or similar titles.

If these duplicate or similar documents are accessible by decision makers at both sites then choosing the incorrect document could result in site inappropriate design or planning decisions.

Review how the document information protocol applies to documents across all GHG operations. Identify situations where common standards apply and where site specific approaches apply and update document management processes.

• Relevant management System components are available and used at an operational level.
• Information from operational and technical teams is stored in line with site requirements
• Documents and information are shared with site, company workers, and third parties in line with requirements.

• Document management system effectiveness and efficiencies are periodically audited with improvement opportunities actioned as appropriate.
• Leaders routinely check that resources are available and applied at a task level during task observations, inspections, and other interactions.

Planned inspections and task observations assess and provide timely feedback about the effectiveness and efficiency of performance standards (work as documented) as they are applied in the workplace (work as done).

Planned inspections and task observations assess and provide timely feedback about the effectiveness and efficiency of performance standards (work as documented) as they are applied in the workplace (work as done).

The site processes for inspections and task observations have these elements:

• Inspections and task observations are scheduled and assigned to site roles, and consider the work intensity and exposure of workers to harm (including checks on work environments, workers performing tasks alone or in remote locations, and work group interactions),
• Minimum competence and experience requirements, based on inspection or task observation type, are detailed,
• Reference to available information e.g. checklists, aide memoirs detailing expected standards and performance requirements,
• There is process for performance reporting, identifying defects, and assigning remedial actions,
• Outputs from multiple inspections and task observations monitored for performance drift trends. 

Task Observations provide additional information about:

• Training effectiveness,
• Task assignment and performance expectations,
• Procedures and task instructions,
• Employee engagement and contributions.

Site Planned Inspections:

• Assess the application of methods and practices performance standards in a systematic and organised way,
• Confirm that people have the resources required to complete their work safely and productively, in an appropriate work environment,
• Identify and deal with potential problems and issues before losses occur,
• Identify effects of changes,
• Identify equipment defects,
• Confirm the status of remedial actions.

Senior site personnel confirm that scheduled inspections and task observations match schedule and quality expectations.

Site Inspection and Task Observations processes are applied to:

• Assess operating conditions,
• Review work practices,
• Confirm the status of plant and equipment status,
• Identify effects from changes in materials and process
• Confirm the close out of remedial actions
• Evaluate management performance
• Analyse the effectiveness and efficiency of workflows from approval, through planning, scheduling, resourcing, and task execution

Inspection and task Observation reports meet site performance expectations for quantity and quality.

There is a process that manages defects, non-conformances, and other performance issues identified from inspections and task observations. These are assessed and where necessary remedial actions with due by dates are assigned.

Performance reports track remedial action status.

Trend analyses reports that identify drift from expected performance.

OFI-108 Review and Align Mining Operations Inspection and Task Observation processes.

Tarkwa Mine has a mature and well designed Planned Task Observation (PTO) process that is applied across the operation.

While Task Observations on mobile equipment operations are carried out at Tarkwa, there are limits in providing timely performance feedback to the operators and collating and analyzing findings. Also, PTOs on mining operations assess both the actions of individual operators and the collected outcomes e.g. congested areas with multiple workgroups.

Consider reviewing and aligning PTO, Critical Control Verification, Senior Supervisor checks, and other mining operations inspection processes. Confirm that all processes reference relevant site standards, use consistent good performance criteria, and that feedback and corrective action tracking processes are effective.

Explore options to leverage technology data streams to assist the process e.g. through traffic interaction heat maps.

Applied and effective change management processes are in use at the operating site, and these apply to the introduction of new types and models of mobile equipment.

The introduction of new mobile equipment components, new models and new types e.g. introduction of electric battery powered equipment follow a defined change management process that:

• Confirms the scope
• Identifies potential impacts for mobile equipment and personnel
• Confirms how hazards will be controlled e.g. equipment fires
• Communicates relevant information to personnel

HSMP 5.3 PR TGM OPERATIONAL PROCEDURE MANAGEMENT OF CHANGE

The scope of the procedure covers changes to new product, plant, equipment, machinery, software, staffing or process that take place on the mine including changes to existing process, products or services.

OFI-103 Consider including a mobile equipment change example in MoC documentation and training

Consultant Comment: The Tarkwa HSMP PR 5.3 PR Management of Change document is a comprehensive document that provides a structured approach including managing stakeholder communications. It has multiple examples of the types of change that will trigger its application.

However, the list of examples do not include changes to mobile equipment.

Consider adding a mobile equipment as a change example. Also, check the change management document reference from HSMP 1.0 MN (the current reference is TGM 9.14 PR)

When senior managers confirm that change management thresholds for new equipment will be crossed, relevant parts of the process are applied to manage the introduction of the equipment e.g. for new models, different types etc.

OFI-112 Apply Site Management of Change processes for new mobile equipment.

Workshop participants discussed how site change management process are used to assist with the introduction of new types and models of mobile equipment.

New equipment introduced can have insufficient other resources such as training modules considerations in mind design and availability of maintenance resources.

Confirm thresholds for the application of site change management approaches for mobile equipment and monitor application of the process.

New equipment controls are communicated and implemented.

Site mine and road design guidelines and execution plans identify specific accountabilities for designers, engineers, and planners.

Site mine and road design guidelines and execution (e.g. traffic) management plans confirm site performance requirements and include specific accountabilities for designers, engineers, and planners.
Designers, Surveyors, Engineers, and Planners reference and apply relevant site management plans (for stability, road design and traffic management) to provide for safe and productive operations.

Designers, Surveyors, Engineers, and Planners manage and allocate resources to:

• Develop and maintain work areas, roads and supporting infrastructure that meet site, company, and regulatory design standards and requirements.
• Develop, maintain, review, and update the site management plans (as required).

Designers, surveyors and engineers generate designs by applying site requirements and, as required, conducting risk assessments for new locations or requirements.

Short term planners trained and assessed in mine design guidelines and develop plans according to the guidelines.

Issued designs are formally reviewed and marked as approved to mine or construct.

Traffic management is considered at each process step.

OFI-141 Review, update, and apply the Tarkwa Traffic Management Plan

GHG Tarkwa Traffic Management Plan, Mining Operations Procedure, TGM 1.10.54 WI was first approved for use on the 01-03-07. It is still current but has not been reviewed and updated since initial publication. It is a comprehensive document that confirms a range of site design and operating requirements that reflect good mine design and operating practice at Tarkwa.

However, during the Tarkwa 2024 Vehicle Interaction Control Effectiveness (VICE) review, workshop participants identified misalignments between this key reference document and operational practice and conditions. These include:

• Road and ramp conditions – construction and maintenance
• Non-conforming intersections and circles (roundabout) design and construction 
• Limited availability and use of radios for general pit communications
• Unclear Positive communications e.g. passing, and approaching mobile equipment
• Obscured or missing Traffic Signage
• Lack of infrastructure and signage to support management of pedestrians
• Parking practices not aligned with documented requirements for physical segregation from heavy vehicles

These issues were confirmed by supporting consultants during mine tours and interviews.

Consider a review of the Tarkwa Traffic Management plan in conjunction with the development of Gold Fields Minimum Standards for Vehicle interaction controls. At a minimum the review should revisit and update minimum requirements for:

• Intersection design – bench mark against industry developments since 2007 including defaults to T intersections where possible
• Simplifying intersection design and construction to fully leverage upgrades and to support successful further deployment of CAS technology
• Road and ramp maintenance
• Positive communications protocols and practices

OFI-163 Review Road Construction and Maintenance Standards

Workshop participants report that haul road construction and maintenance is sometimes inadequate.

Issues include steep ramps sometimes greater than 10%, rough ramps, substandard maintenance on haul roads. This situation increases equipment and tyre damage, slows production, and physically stresses operators.

Confirm Tarkwa Mine road design standards and update processes to construct and maintain infrastructure to site standards.

Regular planning meetings review traffic management.

Design plans and related instructions are signed off by competent accountable personnel confirming that relevant road design and traffic management requirements are being met.

Mine planners consider future vehicle interaction hazards and reliable controls.

There is a documented and current site Traffic Management Plan that assigns accountabilities and details the processes required for safe and operationally integrated outcomes when working with mobile equipment.

There is a site process for developing, implementing, and maintaining a traffic management plan (TMP) or equivalent that: 

• Documents the safe and productive outcomes required when working with or around mobile equipment
• Includes requirements covering travel to and from the site (journey management) and addresses health and hygiene considerations for site rest and comfort areas
• Identifies the situations and circumstances, where working with or around mobile equipment can result in fatalities, injuries and incidents (assessing hazards and risks)
• Details the business and operational processes that prevent or mitigate the development of these potentially harmful situations and circumstances
• Confirms how the status of these business and operational processes is monitored
• Describes how these business and operational processes are maintained and improved

GHG Tarkwa Traffic Management Plan, Mining Operations Procedure, TGM 1.10.54 WI as approved for use 01-03-07

Part 2 Scope

The scope of this document encompasses all Tarkwa Mine surface operations including contractors and near mine exploration activities. This plan applies to all roads that are serviced and controlled by Gold Fields Tarkwa Mine including all haul roads to the mining areas and any other areas used by vehicles and equipment on site such as car parks, Tailings Dam access roads, ROM pads, Waste dump and workshop areas. This plan outlines and controls the operation of all vehicles and equipment operating on site and the required vehicle and equipment standards that must be met. All personnel, including contractors and visitors, shall comply with the requirements outlined in this document.

The Traffic Management Plan details the site processes:

• That ensure that people who operate or work around mobile equipment are trained, competent and authorised.
• That govern how fit-for-purpose mobile equipment is selected and approved for site use. 
• For managing pedestrian and mobile equipment interactions and mobile equipment to mobile equipment interactions.
• That guide knowledgeable and experienced people through the design, construction, and maintenance of the operating environment for mobile equipment.

The TMP also confirms there is adequate capability and a plan for managing mobile equipment emergencies involving:

• Trauma first aid
• Freeing trapped or pinned personnel
• Rescue from heights
• Equipment fires
• Equipment contacts with powerlines
• Equipment struck by lightning

The TMP also documents how relevant external to site expectations are met for:

• Regulatory and legal obligations
• Company requirements
• International Standards and good practice

OFI-168: Confirm that experienced senior managers have oversight of site Traffic Management Plans

Workshop participants discussed how experienced senior management from both Business Partners and Gold Fields have oversight and approve site traffic management plans and related processes. They also noted the extensive experience of senior managers from both Business Partners and Gold Fields.

While processes are in place to delegate authority and review effectiveness, participants noted that pit conditions were not always to standard with variation in design and construction.

Review and implement processes for maintaining, updating, and communication site traffic management plans. Confirm that site design and construction standards are applied and monitored.

The TMP is reviewed, updated, and confirmed as being fit-for-purpose by senior management:

• After high potential mobile equipment incidents
• Before significant operational changes e.g. engagement of contractors, opening of new production areas, deployment of new equipment etc.
• Before the introduction of new technology e.g. mobile equipment operator fatigue monitoring, proximity detection systems etc.
• Periodically – at least annually