Let me start by stating that I am proud to be the 2nd leader at the helm of such a brilliant initiative and association as AMSPSA for the next year. The association in currently in its 3rd year of existence with a lot of effort made setting up foun dational structures, relationships and processes.
This year, is aimed at promoting the differentiating value proposition (DVP) of the association and starting to work towards the overall goal of the association, adding value to industry. The association was an initiative by the Association of Mine Managers of South Africa (AMMSA) to have Safety Professionals collectively apply efforts and benchmark safety practices across industry. Several programs are currently being structured to add value to the industry, which will be communicated in our newsletter.
We look forward to the growth and value this organisation will bring in the next 12 months across South Africa in the Safety Profession and subsequently at the working face, where it matters most.
I would like to thank my team and council from each district for the support they have committed towards this association and the journey towards zero harm.
An Alternative Approach
Throughout the years, the terms vision, mission and strategy have been used to set the direction of companies, associations, teams, businesses and many more. As a leader that believes in challenging the status quo if you want different results, I am of the opinion that we need to approach this platform differently. The terms vision, mission etc. are often confused and used interchangeably, resulting in inadequate and ineffective layering of goals, a misunderstanding between strategy, tactics, objectives, etc. It is with this in mind, that AMSPSA will use the following approach as an alternative to the norm, the WHY, HOW and WHAT.
WHY?
AMSPSA recognises the need for consistency in competence, systems, processes, overall approaches and understanding of the occupational health and safety portfolio within the mining industry, in order to make a positive, value adding difference and
contribution to zero harm. We further realise that there is a wealth of knowledge and experience right at our doorstep and that we need to capitalise on each other’s successes as we are all on the same mission.
It is with this in mind that AMSPSA has been established, to create an enabling environment and platform for Safety Professionals across South Africa, to contribute towards building a better, stronger, consistent and professional HUB to consolidate, manage and build the mining health and safety
portfolio and its value in industry.
HOW?
We will achieve our WHY by:
1. Identifying, prioritizing and actioning concerns, barriers and opportunities for improvement in our domain in terms of competency of Safety Personnel, to be the singe recognized association for Mine Safety Professionals in South Africa
2. Engaging with leaders in our industry in all
operational functions such as mining, engineering, logistics as well as OEMs and the DMR for best
practices on all fronts from soft skills such as
leadership right down to nuts and bolts for technical practices.
3. Scheduling contact sessions for Safety Professionals to facilitate discussions, establish project teams to facilitate projects and campaigns on behalf of the Safety professionals, who will in turn engage with government authorities, educational bodies etc. on relevant matters.
4. Conduct seminars, workshops and conferences to communicate concepts, introduce new thinking and obtain further input and comment from industry.
WHAT?
The association envisages the outcome of all efforts to produce:
-Standardised Value Adding Qualifications in
industry where mines know exactly what they are training their aspiring Safety Professionals on and that having a certain qualification will add value.
-Competent and Registered Safety Professionals with the training, knowledge and experience to add value to the mining industry.
-Information Sharing Platform and Network where Safety Professionals can share learnings, engage each other, benchmark and initiate formal mentor mentee relationships between membership levels, grow and support each other.
-Central Governance HUB to define and standardise certain processes, terms definitions etc. across
industry for consistency and comparability.
Management
Why you should register your safety Professionals at AMSPSA
The origin of AMSPSA was originally an AMMSA initiative to get Safety Professionals connected and to create a platform similar to that of AMMSA. Hence, as this association is supported by AMMSA, we need your continued support in completing this initiative by having all your Safety Personnel registered with the association. We have 4 levels of registration.
Junior Associate Member
Associate Member
Ordinary Member
Retired Member or Honorary Life Member
Similar to the Engineering function where formal registration to a governing body needs to be done, AMSPSA is the association for Mine Safety Professionals to be registered with. We aim to have this registration be introduced into the recruitment process of all mines in South Africa. With our focus areas to define formal training programs and competencies for mine Safety Professionals, your recruitment can be made much easier by viewing the level of membership the applicant has with AMSPSA as higher levels require higher qualifications and experience.
To apply for membership, please contact the Mines Professional Association Secretariat (MPAS) for relevant forms and information.
Mbalenhle Buthelezi
Associations’ Secretary
t: +27 11 568 2054
e: mbalenhleb@mpas.org.z
How will your mine benefit from AMSPSA?
Currently
Safety information is shared on formalized communication platforms.
Nationwide fatality notifications between members.
Annual AMSPSA Conference discounts for members.
Formal registration of Safety Professionals based on criteria set by Council.
Invitations to conferences, seminars and workshops where learnings and best practices are shared.
Coming Soon…
Digital membership certificate verification.
Free CPD provincial mine safety workshops.
Free Safety webinars on our website
Free OHS e-Learning
Free OHS Legal Updates and discount on MH&SA books.
Free legal safety advice forum
Online Networking
Annual National AMSPSA Conference
Updates and Newsletters
Mines Awards Scheme Management
We are also looking into…
Safety Professional of the year with a financial award.
Membership Fees
The origin of AMSPSA was originally an AMMSA initiative to get Safety Professionals connected and to create a platform for interaction, learning and sharing information and best practices, but also to align the levels of competence in industry.
In order to achieve these goals, we have structured annual member fees as low as possible, but also at such a level where we will be able to leverage these funds top achieve our goals should we be able to register the Safety Professionals from various mines as per intent of AMMSA initially.
In terms of the powers vested in it by the Constitution and Rules of the Association, the Council has agreed that subscriptions for the ensuing year will be
R 1 030.00 (Associate member), R1 242.00 (Ordinary Member) and R 351.00 (Junior Associate member) per annum (excluding VAT).
As the Association relies heavily on this income for its monthly operating costs, members are requested to assist in this process by ensuring that their
subscription has been paid, and by informing the Secretariat of any change to their personal contact details.