25 years of improving mine health and safety
It begins with you
The month of April is commemorated as Freedom Month, and this year’s freedom month celebration marks 25 years since the attainment of democracy in South Africa. Government has and continues to call on all South Africans as well as all sectors to work together to encourage a socially integrated and economically inclusive South Africa. All sectors of society must play their part in removing all obstacles which still divide society and strive to build on the many ties that bind it together. The country’s mineral wealth has made it possible for many other industries to flourish and is playing a pivotal role in addressing challenges such as unemployement, poverty and inequality. As we look forward to more socio-economic development in mining towns and labour sending areas, there is a constant need to ensure that production does not come before the health and safety of mineworkers. Statistics from 1994 to the year 2018 indicate a steep decline in the number of fatalities. The sector in 1994 recorded a regrettable 482 fatalities. These should not be seen as just numbers but as people who were parents, siblings, partners and members of the community. It is comforting to see a decline in this trend as the sector last year, 2018, recorded 81 fatalities. This corresponds to about 83% decrease between 1994 and 2018. The sector achieved the lowest number of fatalities in 2017 which were 73 fatalities. Even though there has been a downward trend in the reduction of fatalities, it must be emphasized that this is well below the target of reducing fatalities by at least 20% per annum. There has also been a downward trend in the number of injuries by about 69% from 7 849 in 1994 to 2 455 during 2018. The Department appreciates everyone who complies with health and safety standards and can confirm that the sector is seeing a turnaround in the rate of fatalities and injuries, which gives hope that the year 2019 will be a much better year for health and safety in the industry. We will continue to play our role in ensuring the health and safety of mineworkers. Inspectors from the Department’s Mine Health and Safety Inspectorate will intensify inspections at mines. Working with regional tripartite forums we will continue to conduct health and safety workshops to train and coach health and safety representatives to exercise their rights and powers as stipulated in the Mine Health and Safety Act. Leading up to the upcoming Easter weekend, the Department urges all mineworkers and mining companies to not turn a blind eye to hazards and dangerous working conditions. The Easter weekend is often characterized by travelling which might result in fatigue. A tired mineworker is not only posing a risk to their own health and safety, but also that of fellow colleagues. Mineworkers and shift bosses are reminded that no production bonus is worth a life. Mineworkers are further reminded that they have a right to leave a dangerous working place and protect themselves from any perceived danger.