NCS Lihir celebrates 10 Million LTI-FREE hour achievement

A special presentation ceremony held on the 27th September 2011 was attended by over 700 of NCS Lihir’s employees and also representatives from Newcrest and Anitua – to celebrate the achievement of 10 Million LTI-Free (Lost time Injury) hours.

So what did it take for NCS to achieve this milestone?

Safety culture leads to landmark achievement on Lihir.

Over the last 9 years, NCS Lihir have been diligently following the safety first culture, working with client Newcrest to adhere by the rules established to protect all those on site from serious injury or death. In June 2011 NCS Lihir achieved the landmark 10 Million LTI-free mark!

Across all of PNG, NCS’ operations combined has achieved over 18 million LTI free hours.

On Lihir, Newcrest have set 12 cardinal rules for safety that all business partners must comply with to avoid serious injury or death. NCS is also continually developing its policies, procedures and training programs – for application across the group. Daily tool box meetings, Safety Awareness programs and active training programs are conducted in accordance with NCS’s own requirements.

NCS Lihir’s General Manger Felix Holi, who has been working on Lihir for over 17 years said “It gives NCS great satisfaction in knowing that our work place is safe and that all our employees return home safely to their families.”

“tenkiu tru mipela i hamamas lo ol presen kampani i givim taim mipela i wok seif insait lo ples wok.”

“Our site and operations have grown substantially. Keeping all of our staff trained and with a ‘safety first’ focus requires constant work, constant focus. We have a dedicated HSEQ and Training team that has really done well to ensure that our people are work safe – here on site and at home!” he continued.

The overriding safety message is that Safety is everybody’s responsibility. “We have reached 10 million hours of free LTI – yet there could be an incident/accident at any time. So, we all need to remember to be aware of our environment and work as a team to achieve our goals.” continued Felix.

Newcrest’s Bob Pink and Denis Cowan stood alongside Colin Vale, CEO, Anitua Group of Companies in congratulating staff who received a very “funky” sling bag from NCS and a first aid kit from Newcrest. Receiving this gift of appreciation from “ples work” was appreciated by the staff.

CONGRATULATIONS TO NCS LIHIR,FROM ALL OF YOUR COLLEAGUES AROUND PNG. YOUR COMMITMENT TO SAFETY AND YOUR ACHIEVEMENT IS AN INSPIRATION TO US ALL.

HACCP Certification Achieved

NCS have retained their third party HACCP certification from SAI Global after the Tri annual recertification

Audit on Lihir. The certification covers:

• Standard(s): 9000:2002, 9001:2008
• Relevant Codes (as applicable)
• ANZ2161, ANZ2162, ANZ2163, ANZ5710, ANZ5730, ANZ7866, ANZ9521

Thanks to all for your efforts especially the safety team and kitchen managers for your ongoing efforts in ensuring the safe delivery of food and quality services to our client Newcrest on Lihir.

Barge crew’s suggestions improves NCS’ safety

The crew of NCS Raibus Challenger in Madang are proud of their new lightweight high visibility shirts and tinted eye protection safety glasses, presented to them by Julian Fenn, NCS General Manager, HSEQ & Training.

The purpose of the new safety wear is to enable:

• higher visibility of the crew during the loading and unloading stages of a voyage.
• easier identification of an individual in the water in the unlikely event of a man overboard situation.
• greater comfort for crew working in the hot PNG sun on the water with the lightweight, easily breathable shirts.
• more effective eye protection from the bright sun’s rays reflecting off the water.

This new uniform has been introduced into all NCS warehouse operations across the country – ensuring that our standards for safety and presentation are consistent, professional and safe across the company.

The issue of this new safety PPE was a direct result of suggestions raised by the crew as part of the new ‘safety observation program’.

The best ideas come from our staff, so we encourage all staff around the country to submit safety suggestion on the forms available at each site office. The program aims to create a safer work environment on all NCS sites.

CONGRATULATIONS to the Raibus Challenger crew for this great suggestion.

Our partners include NCS in training programs

When NCS enters into a contract with another company to provide services, we become partners in the business we service. Whether it’s a mine developer, a Government institution or a commercial business, our commitment is to provide the best quality services to our clients whilst ensuring the safety and protection of our staff and the wider community that support our Client.

That’s what a true partnership is about at NCS.

The mining project sites are usually located in the remotest areas of the country and we have to remind ourselves that NCS, as contractors, are visitors to these sites. We must ensure that we are working in accordance with the safety standards established by our Clients as well as maintaining our own.

Safety on sites is “Namba Wan” and each Project owner has site specific rules and regulations. It is beneficial for the developer that we ensure that our staff also understand what is required of them as part of the remote mining community.

Accordingly, our mining development clients often invite our staff to participate in their safety training programs. It makes practical sense. Should an incident arise, the more people on site trained to respond, improves the chance of a qualified person being in the vicinity to respond to an emergency.

Training at two sites: In recent months, Barrick at Kainantu has included NCS staff on safety training programs including the Courageous Safety Leadership and First Aid and MMJV at Hidden Valley, inclusion in their First Aid Training.

At Hidden Valley with MMJV,  trainer Allyson Jo Toro ran a St John’s First Aid training session for 8 NCS staff. All participants were volunteers who undertook the half day training program in their own time.

The goal was to teach the basics of first aid and how to help in the event that a first aid response is needed. First aid saves lives. In this first training session topics and practical skills covered included:

• CPR (Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation)
• Mouth to mouth
• Heart massage
• Recovery position

Follow-up training will be offered to complete basic training and we understand that graduates of this course will be eligible to do the Advanced First Aid course.

Catering Manager John Cole said “We are always happy when our staff take on extra training in an effort to increase their knowledge and abilities, it is good for NCS and better for the staff members.”

He went on to say that this additional opportunity helped to further “bond” our team, which already work well together.

“Sharing this experience has bought them more than just first aid knowledge. It has given them the added confidence in their ability to handle situations as well as a closer team spirit”.

MMJV’s Ms Jo Toro said that it was a joy to have such enthusiastic and eager students. “I am proud you have a good energetic team out there who are ready to promote Health and Basic First Aid and also attend to emergencies back at their workplaces. Not only that, they express gratitude to have learnt a new skill which is valuable to them for life.”

“They were good ambassadors for NCS. Any staff following will have big shoes to fill.”

At Kainantu with Barrick

It’s a similar story up at Kainantu. Ten NCS participants passed their Health and Basic First Aid Training with “flying colours”.

Barrick trainer Douglas Ned said that he was impressed to see them doing the steps of CPR. “Theory and Practical assessment were done and participants examined to ensure they understand the concept of CPR – ensuring that if someone has collapsed, cannot breath and poor blood circulating, that they can get someone breathing before they are referred to hospital.”

NCS remains committed to continuous improvement and the development of all NCS employees. Health and Safety Training is a vital key in this process and is under constant review by NCS senior management

NCS Lihir prepare for audit

NCS Lihir is now preparing for their yearly audit conducted by SAI – Global which is scheduled for mid July.

The purpose of the audit is to verify conformance to the Management System and associated procedures with the HACCP 9000 standard and to ensure continued customer satisfaction.

In addition, an AS4801 OHS gap audit will be undertaken to identify any deficiencies in the OHS Management system in readiness for future AS 4801 certification audit.

Last year, SAI Auditors commented on the commitment and professionalism displayed by NCS staff. They were especially impressed with the way they knew their jobs and were only too happy to provide further information regarding what they did and how they carried out their duties.

We wish all the staff at NCS Lihir all the very best with their preparations for the Audit

Fire Training builds practical skills and cultural bridges

The threat of FIRE in our industry is a real one and as professional, responsible operators, NCS must be vigilant about fire safety and training. Consistent training and reinforcement of processes and use of equipment is necessary to ensure that staff have the knowledge AND experience to respond to a fire emergency and minimise the threat to our people, facilities and sites.

Fire training is also crucial for all of our staff as our sites are in remote, isolated locations. We need to establish and manage real life situations and utilise the appropriate equipment and processes.   NCS is conducting fire training at every site.

The topics covered included:

• The three conditions needed for a fire to start including fuel types, heat & oxygen
• Operation of dry chemical extinguishers, fire blankets & water on the appropriate fuel source
• Evacuation plans and strategies for our sites

Staff at the Lae Office undertook their training earlier this year, with staff at Basamuk and Kurumbukari attending fire training sessions in March. The benefits of that training were not only to build crucial safety knowledge and skills about fire safety on site – but also demonstrated great teamwork and co-operation that bridged our cultural challenges.

Basamuk and Kurumbukari ready to respond in a real

At the Ramu NiCo sites where NCS caters to Chinese and PNG workers, we employ Chinese citizens as Chefs.

“Our Chinese Chefs are every bit NCS as our National staff and we are focused on building our relationships to overcome language and cultural differences. We need to work together” said Assistant Manager Andrew Clinkaberry.

“We had a fire emergency situation on one site very soon after the staff completed their training session. The staff on duty followed procedures and attempted to extinguish the fire with the equipment available and evacuated all personnel safely.”

“Having everyone clearly briefed and trained about the skills and evacuation plans – really helped when we needed it – in a REAL EMERGENCY,” continued Mr Clinkaberry. Congratulations to NCS staff at Basamuk and Kurumbukari for applying their training, co-operating with each other and keeping SAFE.

Carving out new skills at Hidden Valley

At Hidden Valley, NCS’s Catering Manager John Cole, has begun teaching the lost art of fruit and vegetable carving to kitchen staff on site. John wanted to improve the presentation of the servery and buffets, particularly for the increasing number of special functions up at Hidden Valley. He decided to investigate teaching carving techniques and skills to staff. Carving requires special techniques and instruments to make those intricate shapes and flourishes out of fruit and vegetables.

John purchased some specialist carving knives and an instructional book and CD set from Thailand where this ancient art form started.

John initially held training sessions with five apprentices as part of NCS’ Apprentice Training Program that he coordinates on site. He  concentrated on special garnishing pieces like centrepieces that work well for buffets, as well as some of the basics that are used for daily decorations and salads.

“A lot of natural talent has been unearthed with this particular skill and I believe it should be nurtured.” said John. “This is becoming a dying art in the mainstream catering field and it’s becoming more specialised due to the labour cost and time taken to complete the more intricate designs.” he said

“By teaching our apprentices this extra skill they may not learn elsewhere we are strengthening their preparation for their futures in the industry as competent tradespeople” he continued

The magnificent results speak for themselves.

Given the interest and aptitude shown by both the apprentices and the speed with which they have picked it up, John said he will continue to teach these skills and will bring back a wider selection of knives and tools to site.

“The chefs, kitchen hands and stewards are also interested in trying it out, I think NCS will soon become the experts in the country for this creative skill” he said.

Well done to John Cole for taking the great initiative and for sharing your passion for this art form, and to our budding carving experts! Your work will be on display for MANY to enjoy – for years to come!

NCS Contribution to Industry Training and Certification

NCS Project Manager Allan Atava was selected, along with other industry leaders, to participate in a workshop to review and validate the structure of the National Qualifying Framework (NQF) for Technical Vocational Education Training (TVET). This is a training package in the Hospitality and Tourism Industry for all registered training institutes in PNG. Once approved, all institutes will use this syllabus as a training guide.

The training package is standardised to suit all Tourism Operations, Catering & Hospitality firms in the country and offers courses for beginners and basic operative skills through to the National Advanced Diploma.

NATTB will also conduct training and issuing qualification for Assessors, for which NCS will nominate key personnel to attend.

NCS Driver Safety Program

NSC is developing a new Driver Safety Program to be introduced at all project sites in early 2010. The aim is to further improve NCS driver education and awareness and improve its safety record whilst on the road.

Group Operations Manager, Brian Curran, said “Ensuring the health and safety of staff is our number one priority. Helping improve the competency and experience of our drivers and minimising lost time, vehicle damage and any potential for loss of lives is imperative.”

The program will reinforce staff responsibilities for company vehicles, passengers, cargo, other drivers and the general community as well as include road competency tests and compliance tracking of drivers’ licences, vehicle registration and safety sticker renewals.

In addition, forklift and sea craft operating procedures will be included with focus on the following Accident Prevention Formula:

1. Recognise the hazard

2. Understand the defence

3. Act in time.

All NCS drivers will be required to complete the program and participate in toolbox talks, video and power point presentations. Drivers at NCS sites in Morobe and Madang Provinces will be the first to undertake the program.

Proactive Response to Cholera Outbreak

As news of the Cholera outbreak in Papua New Guinea spread, NCS Project Managers took immediate and proactive steps to ward off any on-site threat.

When news broke of a State of Emergency being implemented due to the outbreak in Wasa, Morobe Province, NCS acted immediately to ensure steps were taken to prevent any occurrence of the highly contagious disease.

An urgent memo was distributed to all sites at 8 am and within the hour news was received that water testing and reinforcement of hygiene standards and procedures were immediately actioned.

When Cholera was reported to have spread to Lae it caused some panic, particularly for staff and students of the University of Technology, one of NCS’s sites. In order to address this, an information forum was convened by the student body to inform and reassure that the issue was being taken care of with the utmost urgency.

NCS Project Manager, Allan Atava, was asked to present at the forum. “My role was to give assurance and guarantee that their meal at the mess was safe for consumption” Allan said. “I spoke about the systems we have in place in food management and the guidelines we follow in food and personal hygiene”. Three doctors also presenting spoke specifically about the disease, its symptoms and precautionary measures.

Over 1,000 people attended the forum. Marcus Gosling, NCS Executive Director, said “After initial talk of closing the University down, the outcome was very good. It was an important way to calm people down after a day of panic.”

NCS Apprentices become Chefs

NCS Apprentices from Kainantu, PNGDF, Lihir and Hidden Valley were in Lae recently to complete their Extension Two studies in Hospitality and Tourism. On successfully completing this block of theory and practical assessments they will be fully qualified Chefs. We wish them all the best with their exams.

Apprentices expressed their appreciation for NCS’s support to attend the Cookery Extension Course as part of the Apprenticeship Training Program.

“This program has enabled us to become skilled in the trade as Chefs and meet the demand of the growing hospitality industry in PNG.” said one participant. “Thank you for giving us the opportunity to realise our dreams of becoming fully qualified professionals”.

“I would not have come this far without your help and support. I hope you will continue to provide the same support you’ve given me to other upcoming Apprentices” said another participant.

NCS Raibus signed up their first four apprentices from the Ramu Nickel site at Karumbukari and there will be four more from the Basamuk site by Christmas.

Training in 2010 will be conducted in NCS’s new training centre on Lihir Island.

NCS Hidden Valley Crew gets ‘Fit for Work’

When one of the NCS Hidden Valley crew was told by his doctor that his weight was causing major health problems, the whole team took up the challenge to help him shape up.

The result is the ‘Fit for Work’ program, which commenced in early December and involves all NCS employees at Hidden Valley (unless they have a medical condition).

Every morning before work starts, the team walks for 15 minutes together.  Whilst Sundays are an exercise free day, the team still gets together at lunchtime for a ‘healthy choice’ meal, involving education about portion sizes and dietary balance.

Hidden Valley staffs are leading the way with enthusiasm and commitment, and real results are being seen. Whilst the walk was originally difficult for some of the larger members of the team, it is becoming easier every day, and now everyone looks forward to the morning sessions.

An additional goal is that staff will pass their newfound learning to children in their villages, helping them to also practice a healthy lifestyle and address the growing childhood obesity problem in the area.

The ‘Fit for Work’ program has also resulted in some entertaining moments, like the day when passing cars slowed down near the walkers, who were asked if they were going on strike because they were all marching up the road together!

Well done to the NCS Hidden Valley Project Managers for showing great leadership, initiative and motivating their team toward a healthier lifestyle!

Achieving dreams through the Ginigoada program

A three-month training program with NCS PNGDF is helping Papua New Guineans to realise their dream of a career in hospitality.

The Ginigoada program is sponsored by Ausaid as part of the Yumi Lukautim Project for disadvantaged people.

Graduate Mahura Kauka, has just gained an apprentice chef position with NCS, and is one of the first apprentices to come from the Ginigoada program.

“I have a job now and my own money – I can help support my family,” Kauka said.

“I want to become a head chef. You have to work hard to become someone, you have to start at the bottom and work up. I am thankful for the opportunity”.

Mahura is one of three new apprentices who signed their contracts on Thursday, 29^th January 2009, witnessed by NATTB representative, Mr John Maraga and NCS PNGDF Project Manager, Mick Pye and Administration Manager, Ms Alu Kila.

Fellow new apprentices Kelly Andrew and David Mokara were also selected from a total of 18 prospective employees who completed the training program. All three apprentices said they were excited, and looking forward to learning as much as possible to achieve their dream.
At the contract signing ceremony, Mr Maraga spoke of commitment and support between the new apprentices and their employer. Each apprentice was issued with a set of knives as the tools of their selected trade.

Graduates Vari Obaha and Vanama Kei also gained positions as Data Entry Clerk and Kitchen hand, respectively.

NCS is proud of our involvement with the program, which is delivering skilled professionals back to their communities and valued new people to NCS.

Our sincere congratulations and a very warm welcome to our new apprentices.

NCS Lihir achieves a remarkable safety milestone

The team at NCS Lihir has achieved a remarkable safety milestone of 5.3 million man hours without a single Lost Time Injury (LTI)

NCS Lihir’s Project OHSE Coordinator, Jeremiah Taksir, says this outstanding achievement was made possible because all employees, from supervisors to crew members, take the issue of safety very seriously.

“Our motto that ‘Safety is everyone’s responsibility’ is something that we take very personally. We don’t just talk about it; we take action, whether it is through training, safety talks, inspections, or adhering to our safety systems.

This fantastic result is proof of that,” he says. NCS Lihir has 26 safety representatives working within each work section to ensure that safety procedures and requirements are adhered to at all levels.

Recognising the milestone, Lihir Gold Executive General Manager, Noel Foley, personally thanked NCS Lihir Project Manager, Gus McKenzie.

“Thank you and your team for your commitment to NCS’ safety ideals. It is a pleasure to have you as one of our valuable partners in our business.”

LGL Director, Peter Cassidy was equally complimentary. In a letter written on behalf of the LGL Board, he said that the achievement “sets the benchmark for all employees and business partners throughout LGL’s operations in PNG, Australia and Africa.”

NCS General Manager, Marcus Gosling, says the successful result is one that he is extremely proud of.

“This is an incredible accomplishment by any company’s standards. It amounts to over four
years without any lost time injuries and is a credit to the staff and their safe work habits. It demonstrates their tremendous commitment to safe work practices. Congratulations. Let’s keep up the great safety focus.”

GADONA DECEMBER 2008