Engineering & Mining Journal

APR 2013

Engineering and Mining Journal - Whether the market is copper, gold, nickel, iron ore, lead/zinc, PGM, diamonds or other commodities, E&MJ takes the lead in projecting trends, following development and reporting on the most efficient operating pr

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O P E R AT I N G S T R AT E G I E S risk of fatigue through the five- to 10-day rotation of 10- to 12-hour shifts often expected from workers. "The choice between living out of a motel, living in a trailer (or car), or living in high-quality all-inclusive temporary housing is an easy choice to make. And among all of the remote operations that do offer food and shelter, the choice between a 'one-star' and 'four-star' accommodation also is easy to make. Workers talk, and word will spread about which companies offer the best working conditions. "Investments in feeding and wellness programs routinely yield profits in terms of higher productivity, fewer accidents, reduced absenteeism and less turnover." The author posits that, "Every manager desires a skilled and motivated workforce that not only can do the job but can do the job well. Thus, the manager of a remote worksite must ask, 'Am I giving my workers what they need in terms of rest, motivation and nutritional energy? What is my food and housing solution? Will I offer no such accommodations and take what I can get in terms of workers? Will I allow my drivers to sleep in a truck in sub-zero temperature? Will I create temporary housing with poor preparation that might foul the land and www.e-mj.com With fly-in, fly-out and other types of long-term staffing arrangements for remote mining operations—often in extreme environments—becoming more prevalent, employers should keep in mind that appropriate meal service and comfortable accommodations can have positive effects on profit and productivity, according to Target Logistics. worry the local community—a community already anxious about my being here in the first place? Or will I invest in superior food and housing solutions that will leave my workers well rested, nourished and motivated, and leave the community or environment as pristine as we found it?'" In conclusion, the Target Logistics white paper states, "Remote-site food and housing accommodations, if planned well, can have numerous positive effects on profit and productivity. Tangible and immediate benefits can include well-rested and well-nourished workers with high morale and productivity levels and lower risk for serious accidents. Long-term benefits from such an investment can include community support and a positive corporate image." APRIL 2013 • E&MJ; 141

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