Work activities in mining exploration projects come with various challenges. Workers in this sector face heavy equipment, materials, and geographical conditions that can pose hazards. Therefore, anyone operating in such environments must be proactive and avoid remaining silent, especially when observing potential workplace accidents. Persistently staying silent may lead workers to become victims of accidents that could have been prevented.
In the realm of occupational safety, there is a term known as safety silence, which refers to workers’ reluctance to voice concerns, violations, or potential hazards. This can lead to what is called a victim of silence—a worker who becomes a victim of an accident or incident due to the absence of communication about potential dangers. This silence may occur for various reasons, such as a lack of understanding of safety standards or hesitation to speak up—often due to differences in rank or position.
Cases of victim of silence can be found in project areas in general. For example, in a vehicle accident, a passenger may become a fatality for not warning the driver who exceeded the speed limit. Or when a worker falls into an unmarked excavation hole because a colleague who knew about it chose to remain silent. Regret always comes too late; therefore, it is better to report potential hazards early to prevent harmful incidents.
This raises a question: how can we foster a proactive attitude in preventing workplace accidents? The fundamental requirement is awareness of the importance of a safety culture. Safety culture is a set of values, attitudes, and behaviors that emphasize the importance of safety in the workplace. This culture encourages everyone to prioritize safety, report incidents, and learn from mistakes.
To build a safety culture, companies need to conduct training and education so that workers understand the potential hazards around them. Equally important, workers must follow, comprehend, and properly implement all occupational safety programs provided by the company. Workplace safety is a shared responsibility that must be upheld by all parties involved.
At the Hu’u Project managed by PT Sumbawa Timur Mining (STM), there is a core value that every worker must uphold: Life Matters Most. There is also a well-known slogan in the Mbojo language used in this project: “Mada jaga ita, ita jaga mada. Wati si aman, aina karawi.” This translates to “I protect you, you protect me. If it’s not safe, don’t work.” Every individual at the Hu’u Project must look out for one another.
One form of implementing this value is through the Stop Work Authority (SWA) program, which grants every worker the authority to stop work deemed unsafe. This program affirms that there are no consequences for anyone who halts work for safety reasons. With open communication and teamwork, every potential hazard can be addressed before it leads to an incident. This program also reflects the company’s commitment to prioritizing occupational health and safety (OHS) for all personnel.
The authority to remind one another enhances vigilance and concern for collective safety in the project area. The higher the level of awareness and mutual care among workers, the more effective the accident prevention efforts will be. Furthermore, with a low rate of workplace accidents, work productivity can be optimized. This will positively impact project development and the company’s reputation in the OHS sector.
Thanks to the cooperation of all workers in maintaining safety at the Hu’u Project, in February 2024, STM received the Zero Accident Award from the Department of Manpower of West Nusa Tenggara Province. This achievement is a tangible result of the company’s consistency, led by the Health, Safety, and Risk team, in building a strong OHS culture across all lines. The award also motivates STM to continuously improve its OHS performance sustainably.
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Learn about the terms accident, incident, near miss, and their handling procedures here.
