Building Engagement, Safety, and Structured Progress: Reflections – 28th February, 2025

The day began on a soulful note with Mensah singing a beautiful prayer in the morning meeting. I’ve always loved that prayer, and today, I noticed some people humming along but not singing fully. To break the hesitation, I gave a quick demo—singing it aloud with full voice. It was amazing to see everyone follow suit, filling the space with energy and positivity.

Following the prayer, we focused on workplace safety. A practical demonstration on lifting heavy loads properly was conducted, ensuring that everyone understood the correct techniques to prevent injuries. I summarized the key takeaways into four simple steps:

  1. Bend from the knees, not from the waist.
  2. Stay as close as possible to the load.
  3. Lift with the legs, not the waist.
  4. If the load is too heavy, ask for help.

Later, I even shared these points in my childhood friends' WhatsApp group because safe lifting techniques apply at home as well.

To lighten the moment, I added a fifth step in the context of the recent stock market crash:
“Do not try anything with the load you know nothing about.” While I personally have no interest in the stock market, the analogy made the lesson relatable. 

Employee of the Month – A Recognition with True Value

The Employee of the Month for February 2025 will be scheduled next week. However, before announcing the winner, it's important to set clear and fair selection criteria. The recognition must go to someone truly deserving—one who contributes meaningfully to the plant’s progress and inspires others.

Daily Production Meeting (DPM) – Grate Cooler Work and Operational Adjustments

The team continues work on the grate cooler, and a trial will be conducted once the grate plates are fixed. Now that Cooler #2 is fully functional with the correct stroke length, the operational pattern will be adjusted. However, extra caution will be necessary in the initial stages to ensure stability and efficiency.

Challenges in Material Loading Equipment

Loading equipment remains a concern, with most machinery under breakdown, leaving only the Surface Miner in operation. Fuel consumption for our loader has skyrocketed to 45 liters per hour, which is 150% of the actual requirement—an unsustainable figure. One of the major reasons appears to be the substandard spare parts, possibly refurbished, leading to poor performance and shorter lifespans. A focused plan is needed to address these issues.

International Women’s Day – A Grand Celebration in the Making

A delegation of women visited us to discuss the upcoming International Women’s Day (IWD) celebration. Their enthusiasm was infectious, and they plan to make it a grand affair. I assured them of our full support and wished them success in organizing an impactful event.

Visit to DCT (Friday Visit: 1:30 PM Departure, 6:00 PM Return)

At DCT, key decisions were made to strengthen discipline and planning:

  1. Morning meetings are a MUST. These set the tone for the day and must not be skipped.
  2. HOD meetings must follow the morning meetings to ensure strategic alignment.
  3. Weekly Joint Inspection Rounds (JPR) are non-negotiable. Regular inspections will drive preventive maintenance and enhance efficiency.
  4. All job activities must be recorded in JPR. This will streamline planning, execution, and organizational impact.

Back to WACEM – Reviewing the Progress

Upon returning, I immediately took stock of ongoing work at the plant, ensuring things were moving in the right direction. With structured planning, clear priorities, and a motivated team, we continue taking small but meaningful steps toward transformation.

The day was a mix of discipline, engagement, and operational challenges, but most importantly, it reinforced the importance of structured execution and teamwork.

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