Safety transcends borders – it’s a universal language spoken at every Freeport site, no matter the country or continent. PT Freeport Indonesia recently reinforced this commitment by recognizing workers who upheld their stop work obligation, exemplifying the company’s global dedication to safety.
Earlier this year, PTFI held a competition to recognize and reward workers who stopped work to address unsafe conditions or behaviors. The competition was part of its National Safety Month, which this year had a theme of “Safety Starts with Me.”
Elisa Tatipatta, a contractor with Caterpillar, walked away with the top honor for exhibiting what very well could have been life-saving attention to detail.
During routine maintenance on a loader steering frame, Tatipatta stopped work after noticing a lock pin was missing. This pin is essential for preventing frame movement, and its absence posed a fatal risk. Tatipatta took responsibility for addressing the unsafe condition and made sure his co-workers recognized the fatal risk.
Tatipatta presented his stop work example to a panel of judges, highlighting the corrective actions and the potential consequences of missing critical steps. His key takeaway: If we don’t stop unsafe actions immediately, we risk allowing someone to get hurt.
Following an incident there, some of Henderson’s underground equipment is being outfitted with new safety measures.Stopping work critical
According to Chris Rose, Director of Safety and Health Performance and Improvement, recognizing hazards and taking action can be far-reaching, helping protect more than just those in immediate danger.
“When you stop work, you're not just correcting behaviors or conditions at one site,” Rose said. “You're helping to ensure these behaviors don’t persist across the company by reinforcing accountability and our critical controls.”
In some cases, that situational awareness and continual evaluation of risks can shed light on potential hazards that aren’t part of routine work—as was the case in Colorado recently.
As material was being extracted from a draw point in Henderson’s underground mine, Ethan Welshon, UG Mine Production Operator II-Henderson, saw steam rolling up and, upon further investigation, he also noticed the rocks being removed were hot. Finding it unusual, Welshon reported his observations to his supervisor and the engineering team at Henderson.
Prioritizing safety, the engineers began monitoring the temperature and gas levels, as well as looking into potential causes. One theory ultimately proved to be correct was it was the result of a reaction with iron pyrite, which the company had previously encountered at its underground mines at PTFI.
While there was no immediate danger from the hot rocks, Welshon’s observation, caution and willingness to speak up allowed Henderson to take necessary precautions to help ensure the safety of all employees.
"It may not be a big issue right now, but creating awareness of a potential problem could prevent something worse," Welshon said. "If something seems off, don’t be afraid to stop work and ask questions."
The company since has implemented new safety measures, including gas meters in the cabs and loaders operating in similar conditions to allow for real-time monitoring. This change highlights the importance of hazard recognition and risk assessment for a safe workplace.
“It’s a testament to the culture of safety and responsibility at Henderson,” said Eric Wiese, General Manager-Henderson. “His quick thinking prevented a potential hazard and helped us strengthen our safety protocols. This proactive approach ensures we remain vigilant and prepared for any future occurrences.”