Silicosis Awareness Road Show

MHSC launches it 2009 Silicosis Awareness Road Show 10 November 2009 The Mine Health & Safety Council (MHSC) launches the Silicosis awareness road show 4th November 2009.  The road show aims to engage and educate mineworkers about Silicosis and preventative measures which they could personally take. “It is important to us that mineworkers are aware that while Silicosis can be prevented, it cannot be treated or cured.” says Pontsho Maruping, CEO of Mine Health & Safety Council. “We believe that when people truly understand the nature of Silicosis and how it can be contracted, they are able to take control and manage their own health more efficiently. We are using industrial theatre, in fact, an edutainment production into 15 mines during the course of November to help us spread the word,” explains Pontsho. Production agency, Black Brain, was briefed to develop the show from the initial concept stage to the performance. Founding members of Black Brain and also members of the spectacularly successful Gang of Instrumentals, partnered with MHSC to produce a show which relates to the audience and communicates the Silicosis prevention message effectively.“We are thrilled to be part of this road show. In preparing the script, we’ve made sure that there is enough humour to keep our audience engaged, interested, but also that the Silicosis message hits home hard enough for mineworkers to take action,” comments Mandla. MHSC’s road show forms part of a multi-pronged approach to Silicosis elimination, with the aim of ensuring that no new cases of silicosis occur amongst previously unexposed individuals i.e. new entrants to the mining sector since 2008. Gauteng Anglo Gold Ashanti Moab Khotsong Launch Event: Wed 4 Nov 09 Anglo Gold Ashanti Kopanang Thur 5 Nov 09 Anglo Gold Ashanti Tau Lekoa Mon 9 Nov 09 Anglo Gold Great Noligwa Tue 10 Nov 09 TBC Wed 11 Nov 09 Anglo Gold Mponeng Thur 12 Nov 09 Goldfields Kloof - TBC Fri 13 Nov 09 Goldfields Driefontein - TBC Sat 14 Nov 09 Free State Harmony Mine Merriespruit Shaft 3 Hostel Wed 18 Nov 09 Harmony Mine Bambanani Hostel Launch Event: Thurs 19 Nov 09 Harmony Mine Masimong Fri 20 Nov 09 Goldfields Beatrix - TBC Sat 21 Nov 09 Harmony Mine Nyala Hostel Mon 23 Nov 09 Mpumalanga Collery Estate - TBC Launch Event: Wed 25 Nov 09 THE MINE HEALTH AND SAFETY COUNCIL The Mine Health and Safety Council is a statutory body established in terms of the Mine Health and Safety Act of 1996.  The primary function of the MHSC is to advise the Minister of Minerals Resources on research, regulations and occupational health policies to improve occupational health and safety in South African mines. On behalf of: Pontsho Maruping, CEO of Mine Health & Safety Council Contact:  (011) 656-1797