Jakarta. Mining giant Merdeka Copper recently vowed to make sure that its workplace is safe for its employees as Indonesia celebrates Occupational Safety and Health Month.

Merdeka Copper’s subsidiaries have also made some initiatives to ensure occupational safety. For instance, subsidiary Bumi Suksesindo (PT BSI) has held safety competency tests and an internal fire rescue challenge. They also held a competition for mining safety innovations as well as creative videos to promote workplace safety. According to the company’s press release, PT BSI has reached over 20 million working hours without lost-time injury.

“Every small step that we take, every wise decision that we make to adhere to the safety procedures, will be a valuable investment for a better future,” Roelly Fransza, the GM of operations at PT BSI, said.

Pani Gold project -- Merdeka’s gold mine in Gorontalo -- in partnership with the local chamber of the Indonesian Red Cross also held blood donation camps at the pioneer camp in Hulawa Village. They managed to collect 150 bags of donated blood, which they sent to Bumi Panua Pohuwato Hospital. The hospital needs 10-15 bags per day on average.

“Pani Gold Project seeks to nurture the awareness of the importance of donating blood to help others,” Mahesa Lugiana, the external affairs manager at Pani Gold Project, said.

Pani Gold Project held poster and safety driving competitions, color fun runs, exercise festivals, and quizzes on occupational safety. Enthusiasm soared high in Wetar Copper Mine in Maluku as the project held occupational safety presentations, competitions, quizzes, emergency rescue challenges, among others.

“The occupational safety and health culture plays a pivotal role in creating a great labor ecosystem. Because by doing so, we will be able to reduce accidents and sickness, which will eventually boost work productivity,” Rudi Prabowo, the acting head for mining engineering at PT BKP-BTR, said, quoting the manpower minister.