The experience of psychological trauma and the management thereof in the mining industry

MCom (Industrial Psychology), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2017Employees in the mining industry experience various forms of psychological trauma (PT) at their workplace. They are directly and indirectly exposed to PT such as accidents, retrenchments and strikes. These events sometimes lead to PT if it is not managed properly. Therefore it is important that every mine in the industry has a well-developed psychological trauma management programme (PTMP) available to their employees and that they are aware of and informed of these programmes. If the mining industry does not give sufficient attention to PT and PTMPs, it is evident that this could negatively influence employees’ work performance and they could experience this stress and trauma to the extent that they are not able to cope anymore, which could have serious consequences such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In order for employees in the mining industry to function optimally and to avoid further accidents, it is very important that the mining industry regards this study as an informative tool. The general objective of the study was exploring the experience of PT and the management thereof in the mining industry. The researcher utilised a qualitative research approach in order to gain an in-depth understanding into the population’s experience. The sample consisted of nine employees of the different mines from which all were permanently employed at the mine and have been working at the mine for at least one year or more. Participants’ job descriptions varied from HR managers, safety officers, machine operators, training officers and plant coordinators. The researcher conducted semi-structured interviews in order to understand the participants’ perspectives on this phenomenon and their responses were transcribed in a verbatim manner. A data analysis was then conducted in order to gain themes and subthemes, which was then reported on. From the findings it was evident that the employees at the mines and in the mining industry as a whole, experience trauma as a difficult event due to sudden and unexpected events such as serious accidents or any life-threatening events that can either happen to them directly or indirectly to a fellow colleague. These employees indicated that they are partially aware of PTMPs such as doctors and psychologists, external wellness centres and the Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), as well as the freedom to speak to the HR Department. The majority of participants indicated that these PTMPs are ineffective mainly due to access, awareness, availability and support from supervisors and managers. They suggested on-site help that is readily available when they need help and assistance, better communication, information and creating awareness. They also preferred face-to-face counselling and help, which external wellness centres and the current EAP are not providing to them at this stage. In summary, from the findings it was apparent that the South African mining industry should invest and focus on well-developed PTMPs specifically targeted at the needs of the employees in this industry and the PT events that they experience. An effective PTMP should include immediate or on-site help and assistance, access to these PTMPs and support and encouragement to take part in the available PTMPs. It is important that all counselling sessions are handled in confidentiality and that the mines inform, communicates and make them aware of the available PTMPs and how to gain access. They also emphasised the importance of the mine catering for their specific language and culture needs when implementing a PTMP. This study makes a great contribution to the phenomenon of PT and the management thereof, especially in the mining industry, which, at the moment, is a very relevant topic in South Africa. If the mining industry makes work of implementing a well-developed PTMP aimed at the needs of the employees in the mining industry, it could contribute towards their employees’ well-being, which in turn could help reduce strikes and also reduce mining accidents. This study also contributes to existing literature on the topics of PT, PTM and PTMPs in South AfricaMaster