SAFETY

We are constantly exploring innovative ways to improve productivity while making
sure safety is never compromised

OUR SAFETY JOURNEY OVER THE YEARS

Through all our project undertakings we strive to ensure a safer mining environment for our project crews, contractors and mine personnel. We adopt a zero-tolerance approach to workplace safety. Our quality philosophy is to exceed client expectations and our Quality Management System is fully integrated with all relevant ISO standards. As one of the original shaft-sinking and underground construction companies in the world we were one of the first companies to adopt the following:

• Reduction and ultimate removal of all people from direct production faces where cleaning and mucking equipment is used
• Elimination of unhooking of conveyances during mucking
• Reduction of noise by using electro/hydraulic where possible
• Introduction of controlled lockbell signalling systems to prevent accidents
• Introduction of various state of the art cladding to reduce falling rocks
• The design of “second egress” emergency escape ways and equipment through up-cast ventilation shafts and mobile hoisting equipment

Today, this safety ethos continues to be lived and we continually look to improve sinking practices and methods across all our projects.

Our drive his to maximise the use of latest available technology and improve production practices that removes people from the work face whilst sinking and mucking activities take place.

Our engineers and project crews continuously reengineer and rethink every aspect of the sinking process as well as the suite of equipment that should be used by staying abreast of technology.

We work closely with our equipment suppliers to continuously bring about equipment improvements. Today, through the introduction of remote-controlled equipment, we have effectively eliminated the need to have people in direct proximity to any dangerous activities. Where this has not been possible, the team is currently working with OEM’s to achieve this (sidewall rock bolter for example).

Recently we have shown that through mechanisation we can safely and efficiently sink a shaft with less than 50 persons, down from the 300 in the early years of sinking.

We pride ourselves on our stringent safety reporting. Every incident, no matter how minor, is investigated and ‘lessons learned’ from an incident are worked into our sinking practices. We place strong emphasis on and make extensive use of Behavioural Based Safety Practices across all our projects and inclusive Risk Assessment and Risk Elimination Reviews  during the design phase.

Our rolling LTIFR (Lost Time Injury Frequency Rate) for the period from January to December 2023 was at 0,14 (per 200 000 hours).

Our health and safety statistics from 2016 to date is as follows: