Platinum Health Medical Scheme works as a strategic partner in the mining sector, building a clear picture of the health and wellness status of employees, improving productivity and reducing turnover.
Health and safety in the mining industry is a critical, highly regulated area, focusing on preventing accidents and occupational diseases. Medical schemes play a vital role in complementing these statutory health and safety measures, by providing targeted, industry-specific healthcare, early disease detection and comprehensive medical support.
With this in mind, Platinum Health Medical Scheme – one of the mining sector’s strategic health partners – has become an active contributor to prevention, preparedness and long-term workforce sustainability.
Dr Mel Mentz, COO at Platinum Health Medical Scheme, notes that achieving the above requires a partnership between the mine, employee forums and the Scheme. He explains that by leveraging the data available to the Scheme, they are able to provide the mines with deeper insight into the health status of their employees – and by extension, into the health status of the business.
“We are able to share this employee data anonymously, thus meeting compliance requirements, but in a manner that enables the mine to build a clear picture of the health status of their employees,” he says.
“There are a number of health issues facing this sector, including hearing loss, tuberculosis (TB) and – especially in the gold industry – silicosis. With regard to hearing loss, this can be quickly countered by reducing workers’ exposure or by engineering it out via custom hearing protection devices or reducing their exposure to the noise. Early diagnosis is vital here, as hearing loss can be irreversible.”
He adds that TB can be treated, but early detection is also necessary to provide the most effective treatment. With TB it is about understanding the levels of exposure, so these can be minimised. Mentz indicates further that, while not an occupational disease, work-related injuries are another challenge, with the Scheme ensuring it is part of health and safety discussions around injury prevention and that it shares data around high-risk behaviour.
“We also undertake risk-based medical surveillance, which is the medical study of employees, based on their specific levels of risk. This involves an annual examination that includes chest x-rays, hearing and vision tests, the checking of other physical functions and a lung function test.”
“These assessments are based on the employee’s risk exposure, so if they are in a high-risk job, they may have to undertake an assessment more often than the average annual check-up. With these assessments, we can then build a profile of each individual employee.”
On-site and off-site support
He points out that with the larger mining operations, Platinum Health contracts with an on-site emergency response team to ensure paramedics are on-site 24/7, equipped with ambulances, supported by a doctor and emergency room staff, all on-site.
“This approach is further supported by an emergency response plan, to refer patients to the appropriate facility, depending on their injury. We are also able to assist in the provision of an airlift, should it be necessary to fly seriously injured employees out of the site,” he adds.
“In addition, these paramedics and doctors are trained to go underground and have the right equipment to stabilise an injured party underground. They are further supported by mine volunteers from the Mines Rescue Services, which escorts the medics to the site and assists them in entering and exiting the underground shaft.”
Mentz states that the Scheme also provides on-site clinics that enable accessible healthcare for employees and their families, no matter how remote the region. Offering an on-site clinic boosts both employee morale and their trust in their employer – meaning that productivity goes up and staff turnover goes down.
“We have also recently partnered with AZOZA – formerly EuropAssist – to coordinate emergency responses, but that are not linked to a specific medical service provider or hospital group. It means we can ensure the most appropriate response for the particular area. AZOZA is positioned to facilitate the requisite offsite ambulance responses and transfers.”
“So much of our economy rests on a foundation of good health for our workers, as well as on disease prevention and treatment. What the Scheme and its partners do is to help maintain a strong foundation. In short, we are focused on protecting lives, preventing disease and ensuring sustainable and productive operations at the mines we partner with. Ultimately, if we can keep mine workers healthier, it is better for them, for us, for the mine itself and for their families, not to mention that it provides the foundation on which to build a strong and effective economy,” concludes Mentz.
