During the past year, SamQuarz focused on reviewing its safety management system and mandatory codes of practice in order to continue to provide a safe and healthy working environment for all its employees.
SamQuarz was awarded the prestigious NOSA five-star rating after achieving 92.28% (2008: 82.99%) for its stringent health and safety programmes. The NOSA Five Star System Standard is implemented by thousands of organisations across the world, providing them with a rock-solid framework for managing occupational health and safety. Its grading audit focuses on the status of safety, health, environmental and quality (SHEQ) programmes and the company's disabling incident frequency rate (DIFR). NOSA's star ratings are based on established industry criteria.
The mine is working towards converting from the CMB150N system to the CMB253 NOSA system over the next two to three years. The proposed rating system will include environmental matters.
There were no fatalities in 2009 (2008: no fatalities). Whereas in 2008 the mine recorded a LTIFR of 0.00 per 200,000 hours worked, the LTFR for 2009 was 0.25 as a result of one lost-time injury.
Employees continued to benefit from the training shift which forms part of the shift cycle. During these training sessions, employees undergo formal, safety-related training as well as operations-specific training.
Somkhele strives for excellence in the management of safety and health. The mine complies with all applicable safety and health legislation and ensures that tasks are performed in a safe manner and adhere to the mine's safety policy.
The management of occupational safety and health at Somkhele draws on programmes devised by the National Occupational Safety Association (NOSA) and International Risk Management Consultants IRCA.
Systems to monitor the implementation and effectiveness of safety are in place and monthly, quarterly and annual audits are conducted to measure compliance and to highlight any shortcomings.
As was the case during Somkhele's first year of operation (FY08), there were no fatalities at this mine in FY09. A single lost-time accident was reported during the current financial year giving the operation a Lost Time Injury Frequency Rate (LTIFR) of 0.29 per 200,000 hours worked compared with 0.17 in FY08. Health and safety training and awareness campaigns continue to be actively managed by the mine.
A number of geotechnical audits were performed during the year to ensure that the mine continues to manage highwall safety appropriately.
There were no significant risks identified and all employees received training on the identification of risks and hazards associated with highwalls and slope stability. Day-to-day monitoring is an integral part of the daily inspections carried out by the responsible supervisors and safety representatives.
The main occupational health risks faced by employees are noise and dust. Four occupational health and safety audits were carried out on employees working in hazardous areas. All risks were reviewed and systems further optimised to ensure the health and safety of all workers. The results of these audits were submitted to the Department of Mineral Resources (DMR) and frequent follow-ups are carried out to ensure compliance. To date, there have been no reportable occupational diseases identified at Somkhele.
All the necessary risk assessments and procedures were revised during the year to minimise and control occupational and safety hazards. All employees were made aware of these risks and, where needed, additional training was conducted.
All accidents and potentially serious incidents were investigated and the results communicated to all employees. The involvement of employees in assisting with the identification of basic causes is encouraged and the awareness of potential hazards forms part of daily operational activities. All matters regarding health and safety are communicated on three levels. There are daily meetings held before the start of each shift, weekly supervisors' meetings and monthly managers' meetings. All concerns raised are acted upon and documented.
No incidents or occurrences of non-compliance with acceptable health and safety standards have been reported since project inception. All surface right owners have been briefed on the current drilling activities. The necessary steps to secure the open pits have been made with the purchase of specialised fencing equipment.
© 2009 Petmin Limited
