Enhancing winter safety at Aktogay

The implementation of the practical training ground has already had a notable impact on safety, with Aktogay benefiting from a 44% reduction in winter road incidents in 2024 compared with the previous year.

One of the potential risk factors is linked to road safety as winter conditions can significantly increase the risk of road accidents. To address this challenge, the team at Aktogay has implemented a comprehensive strategy combining safety initiatives with applied training. Daily safety bulletins, videos, and informational banners provide employees with essential guidance on safe movement, driving and working in icy and snowy conditions. Additionally, engineering measures such as roof heating cables and mandatory anti-slip shoe pads for staff enhance safety.

As part of the broader effort to enhance safety and reduce road accidents in winter, the Occupational Health and Safety Department at Aktogay has installed a winter driving training area, aimed at preventing accidents and ensuring safety during the winter months. The winter training ground was developed to provide employees with practical experience in handling vehicles under difficult winter conditions. It simulates real-life winter driving scenarios, including slippery surfaces and snowcovered drifts, allowing employees to practice and improve their driving skills in a controlled environment.

At the training ground, water is poured onto specific areas to create slippery surfaces, simulating the icy conditions employees might encounter. This allows drivers to experience how their vehicles behave with all-wheel drive turned on or off, how to properly navigate turns on icy roads and the differences in vehicle behaviour when braking with the pedal versus engine braking.

Additionally, the training ground includes areas with loose snow to simulate getting stuck in snow-covered drifts. Employees can practice using the step-down gearbox to overcome these obstacles, gaining valuable skills that are crucial for safe winter driving. This course is particularly beneficial for workers who drive passenger vehicles rather than jeeps and for those who are not accustomed to such harsh winter conditions.

The implementation of the practical training ground has already had a notable impact on safety, with Aktogay benefiting from a 44% reduction in winter road incidents in 2024 compared with the previous year.

By providing practical training and continuously enhancing safety measures, the Group is working towards a safer environment during the challenging winter months. The knowledge and skills gained from this initiative are intended to be applicable both at the mine and in employees’ personal lives, further emphasising the importance of safety and health in all aspects of life.