EPC CONTRACTS: NEED FOR CRITICAL OVERSIGHT OF QUALITY AND SAFETY

The following article is written by Jaco Viljoen, Project Director at TDS Projects Group. It is Part 2 of a two-part series.

…continued from Part 1.

Moreover, a quality-driven EPC partner continuously evaluates and improves processes to deliver superior outcomes, embracing feedback mechanisms and lessons learned from past projects to refine methodologies and enhance delivery capabilities.

In summary, companies need to invite EPCs to submit past performance reviews with case studies, or provide detail on inspection and testing procedures, feedback mechanisms, and quality assurance plans as evidence of their commitment to quality.

Safety excellence

A capable EPC partner prioritises the health and well-being of all personnel involved in project’s execution, both on the contractor and client sides. This commitment begins with comprehensive risk assessments that identify potential hazards and establish proactive mitigation strategies. Top-tier EPC firms then go beyond regulatory compliance, implementing sound safety protocols tailored to specific project requirements and environmental conditions.

Additionally, regular safety training ensures that all team members are equipped to handle challenges safely and effectively, minimising the risk of incidents and creating a culture of safety that’s present throughout every aspect of the operations.

State-of-the-art safety equipment and technologies further enhance workplace safety, providing added layers of protection against potential hazards. By committing to safety at every level of the organisation, leading EPC partners work to mitigate risks, protect project continuity, and uphold their reputation as responsible industry leaders.

Yet all too often, companies overlook safety as a metric by failing to consider indicators such as Total Recordable Incident Rates (TRIR), or Lost Time Injury Frequency Rates (LTIFR) as evidence of EPC providers’ safety track records.

Ultimately, procurement processes need to begin including and emphasising clear, measurable benchmarks for quality and safety. The ‘bare minimum’ on these fronts is simply not acceptable within the mining sector, especially in underground operations, given the risks to lives and livelihoods.

EPCs play an essential role in ensuring project successes and boosting long-term productivity and profitability. This is why they should be selected with the utmost care, and measured against strict metrics to ensure they have what it takes to get the job done to the highest professional standards.