Mobilising contractors and machinery effectively at mine sites can be difficult with mistakes resulting in serious consequences.
In this article, Ideagen explores seven common mistakes made when utilising contractors and their machinery and the strategies you can implement to avoid them.
Mistake one: Using manual processes
Relying on manual processes might seem manageable initially but as projects grow, the inefficiencies quickly become apparent.
Manual methods are time consuming and prone to human error. Additionally, manual processes lack the capability to provide real-time updates, making it harder to adapt to project changes.
Over time, these inefficiencies can hinder collaboration, slow decision-making and create bottlenecks, limiting your ability to scale with larger projects.
How to avoid it
Embrace technology to streamline operations. Digital tools and automated processes can save time, reduce errors and provide instant access to current information.
Mistake two: Inadequate prequalification and onboarding processes
Rushing through or overlooking the prequalification and onboarding of contractors and their machinery can lead to significant issues.
Contractors who aren’t adequately vetted may lack the skills or certifications required for the job, while their machines may have faults or could be non-compliant, increasing risks and potentially causing delays.
Onboarding that doesn’t address site-specific safety protocols or expectations can lead to confusion and unsafe practices.
How to avoid it
Develop a robust prequalification process to verify contractors’ credentials, experience and compliance with regulatory requirements along with the safety status of their machines.
Complement this with a detailed onboarding program that includes training, site orientation and clear communication of expectations. Automating parts of this process can ensure it’s both thorough and efficient.
Mistake three: Lack of contractor accountability
A lack of contractor accountability can create confusion and inefficiency on-site. Without clearly defined roles and responsibilities, contractors may be uncertain about their requirements or how their performance will be evaluated.
This can lead to underperformance, missed deadlines and compromised safety standards. Moreover, without a system to track accountability, it can become difficult to address issues or measure success.
How to avoid it
Before contractors arrive on-site, outline their responsibilities and expectations in detail. Define measurable performance metrics and establish a system for regular check-ins to monitor their progress.
Mistake four: Inconsistent documentation
Poor documentation is more than just an administrative headache, it can lead to serious compliance and safety risks.
When records are inconsistent or incomplete, it becomes challenging to track contractor compliance and maintain accurate audits. This can result in avoidable delays, penalties and reputational damage.
How to avoid it
Standardise your documentation processes across all sites to ensure consistency. Using digital document management systems can help streamline this process, reduce administrative workloads and ensure critical information is easily accessible.
Mistake five: Lack of contractor visibility throughout the project
Given contractors work across large or multiple mine sites, it can be difficult to monitor their progress or ongoing compliance.
Without proper visibility of their work and machines at any given time, projects can encounter coordination issues, delays and quality control problems. A lack of transparency also makes it harder to identify and address potential risks in real time.
How to avoid it
Invest in project management software that offers real-time updates and tracking of contractor activities. Also, establish clear communication channels and regular reporting schedules to maintain visibility and ensure alignment with project goals.
Mistake six: Contractor non-compliance with regulatory requirements
When contractors and their machinery don’t meet regulatory requirements, it can result in safety risks, financial penalties and legal action.
Beyond the immediate impact, non-compliance can also harm your people and your company’s reputation, making it harder to secure future projects.
How to avoid it
Clearly communicate compliance requirements to contractors before work begins. Ensure contractor and machinery compliance through the prequalification and onboarding process to prevent non-compliant contractors from even arriving on site. Also conduct regular audits to ensure these standards are being met throughout the project.
Mistake seven: Unsafe machinery
Hazardous machinery is a significant contributor to incidents, injuries and even fatalities on mine sites.
Beyond the human cost, machinery-related incidents can lead to downtime, legal liabilities and operational delays.
How to avoid it
Ensure comprehensive risk assessments are conducted on all machines and are provided as part of the onboarding process.
Verify the machine’s maintenance and servicing schedules are up to date and ensure contractors are conducting daily pre starts on their machines to identify faults before they become major hazards.
Want to improve the mobilisation of contractors and machinery on your sites?
Avoiding these seven mistakes requires the right tools. Ideagen has a suite of products that can eliminate or reduce the potential for these mistakes to be made. Get in touch with Ideagen today to find out more.
Check out Idea on-demand webinar to dive deeper into these errors and learn practical strategies from industry experts. Watch now to get a free downloadable guide.