SAFETY
IMPROVED SAFETY WITH STOP BLOCKS
The mandatory use of stop blocks
is stipulated in most mines’ Code of
Practice (COP), which states that all
vehicles entering a mine’s premises
shall have a stop block that shall be
used when parking the vehicle. “All
mines usually have their own health and
safety procedures, which require stop
blocks on all vehicles stationed on the
mine or entering the premises,” says
Heather Lee, general manager of M&E
Supplies. “Other industries bound by
South African traffic laws require that
every vehicle, from bakkies to delivery
vehicles, has a set of stop blocks
available at all times,” says Lee.
As mining companies are ramping up
production, their vehicles are constantly
engaged, and M&E is at the forefront
of providing mines with exactly what
they need: a safety device that complies
with safety requirements. Concerned
about the potential increase in accidents
caused by the movement of stationary
vehicles, M&E urges mining companies
to use quality stop blocks to manage
this risk at all times.
Safety device
Stop blocks are a necessity. Their main
function is to stop the vehicle from
moving, whether that means on the side
of the road or on a mine or dock waiting
to load valuable stock. It is a safety
device that works in conjunction with a
vehicle’s braking system.
Minimising risks through
quality products
M&E assists mining companies in
reducing the risk of vehicle accidents
through the supply of quality products.
“Our range is vehicle specific; the
information we generally require includes
the make/model of the vehicle, full load
capacity, and tyre diameter. We will then
determine the most suitable stop block
for the application,” explains Lee.
Manufacture and design
M&E’s stop blocks are made with virgin
plastic. Lee explains that this means
that the integrity of the block is never
compromised — the blocks are made
to last. “Our PVC blocks are strong, can
withstand any kind of weather, and are
resistant to acids, oils, and fire. All the
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MAY 2019
components that go into manufacturing
our blocks meet with the highest
standards and requirements, ensuring
a superior product from a preferred
supplier,” confirms Lee.
“In addition, our design prevents
tyre damage, unlike steel or wood that
rusts and/or degrades when subjected
to the elements. You can therefore
expect strength, durability, reliability,
and a product that you can depend on,”
stresses Lee.
Education and training
M&E recognises that education and
staff training are integral to enhancing
safety in mines. Through raising
awareness on how to use the stop
blocks correctly, the company is aiming
to reduce block failure that can result
in fatal accidents. According to Lee,
negligence and irresponsibility on the
part of end-users is the main cause of
stop block failure. “Block failure could
be due to customers not being supplied
with the correct information before
purchasing the blocks, or failure to use
the blocks correctly, by ensuring they
are securely fitted,” indicates Lee.
M&E will meet clients on site to test
the blocks and advise on the correct
application. This service is headed up
by the company’s technical operations
manager, Darren Lee, who has a
background in fire prevention, health and
safety, risk and special risk — and he
has become a most valued asset to the
company.
M&E’s education and training
initiative has paid dividends. Thus far,
Heather Lee attests that she has never
received negative feedback from clients
complaining about product failure in the
eventful two decades that she has been
with M&E. “I have worked for M&E
for the better part of 20 years; I have
never had failure on my blocks that was
not due to human negligence. This is
because we ask so many questions and
offer training,” says Heather Lee.
Challenges
A major challenge is that, in these
tough economic times, mines
have a tendency to go for cheaper
options as an appealing proposition.
“At M&E, safety is our number one
Prevent unnecessary incidents through correct usage.
Through raising awareness on how to
use the stop blocks correctly, M&E aims
to reduce block failure that can result in
fatal accidents.
priority. Trying to keep costs low is
very understandable and relatable.
And just like with any other product,
it’s understandable that customers
would like to make sure they are
getting their money’s worth when
purchasing stop blocks. However, I
would always recommend spending
that little bit extra, especially when
the safety of your staff or the general
public is involved,” stresses Heather
Lee. “Personally, I would rather buy a
product that has proved to be superior
than an inferior product that needs
to be replaced every second week
just because it’s cheaper. The adage,
‘Prevention is always better than cure’,
is as relevant as ever,” she says.
However, refreshingly, Heather Lee
acknowledges that stringent legislation
on safety has occasioned an evident
attitude change towards stop blocks
and safety — and she hopes this
development will benefit suppliers of
quality products.
Industry endorsement
It is so far so good for M&E, since
many of the biggest names in mining
in and around South Africa have been
using the company’s blocks for many
years. “We have developed amazing
working relationships with these mining
companies and their staff. Their loyalty
to us is evident through the fact that
we are preferred suppliers and often
recommended to other companies
in many other industries,” concludes
Heather Lee.
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