#miningcamps

By Jonathan Ainoo

Fire safety is one of those things people only think about when it’s too late. But in our line of work—especially when supporting mining camps, engineering sites, and temporary accommodations—waiting until something goes wrong is not an option.

At JOBEX COMPANY LTD, based here in Ghana, we’ve seen firsthand how quickly a minor spark can escalate into a major incident if the right systems aren’t in place. And yet, many project sites still treat fire prevention like an afterthought. Something optional. Something to be added once “everything else is sorted.”

I don’t think that approach works anymore. In fact, I’m certain it doesn’t.

Let me paint a quick picture.

A few years ago, we were supporting a remote accommodation camp. Nothing fancy—just a few modular structures, a kitchen, and a central meeting area. The client had done a lot right. Good power system. Routine waste management. But one oversight: no functioning fire extinguishers near the cooking area.

It only took one oil fire for the entire operation to pause.

Thankfully, there were no injuries. But the damage cost time and money—and perhaps most significantly, shook the confidence of everyone on-site.

That’s when we doubled down on fire safety as a core part of our service.

So, what does proactive fire safety look like?

It’s not just about having fire extinguishers or a few “No Smoking” signs. Real fire preparedness is layered, intentional, and practical.

1. Assessing the Site Layout

You start by mapping out the high-risk zones: kitchens, generator houses, chemical storage, and staff dormitories. Every layout is different, so this isn’t copy-and-paste safety. It's walking the site, identifying bottlenecks, checking airflow, and imagining what ifs.

2. Choosing the Right Equipment

Not all extinguishers are created equal. Dry powder for electrical fires. CO₂ for equipment areas. Foam for flammable liquids. A general-purpose extinguisher might look fine on a wall, but it won’t help much in the wrong scenario.

At JOBEX, we conduct site-specific assessments and stock camps accordingly. That includes clearly labeled fire blankets, hose reels where needed, and visible, easy-to-follow signage—even in low-light conditions.

3. Training the People Who'll Use It

This is the part most companies forget. Equipment without training is almost useless. Every few months, our team runs fire drills on camps we manage or support. We walk staff through response times, extinguisher use, safe exits, and even fire triangle basics.

Because in the middle of a real emergency, instinct takes over—and training shapes instinct.

4. Maintenance and Monitoring

Fire safety gear degrades. Pressure drops. Hoses crack. Alarms fail silently. That’s why we put in place monthly checks as part of camp janitorial or security routines. These aren’t high-tech inspections. Just visual checks, pressure readings, and recordkeeping. Simple. Consistent. Effective.

5. Thinking Beyond Fires

Fire preparedness often overlaps with electrical safety, kitchen safety, and even general cleanliness. Blocked pathways? Flammable waste near a gen-set? Frayed wiring left exposed? We teach staff to notice and report these early. It creates a culture of prevention—not just reaction.

I think this attitude is why clients trust us to handle not just the flashy parts of operations, but the foundational ones too.

Being nominated for the 2025 Go Global Awards—taking place in London this November, hosted by the International Trade Council—has reminded us just how global the conversation around operational excellence has become. These awards aren’t just trophies. They’re recognition of real, on-the-ground impact. It’s about how companies like JOBEX COMPANY LTD quietly raise standards in challenging environments.

And fire safety? It’s one of those areas where quiet competence makes all the difference.

No one applauds when a fire doesn’t happen. There’s no ribbon-cutting for properly labeled exits or routine extinguisher checks. But those small things are what keep people safe.

So if you're setting up a site—whether it's a remote camp or a new office block—ask yourself:

Do we have the right fire gear?

Do our people know how to use it?

Are we checking and training consistently?

If the answer is “I’m not sure,” then it’s worth rethinking. Because the cost of prevention is always less than the cost of reaction.