There were no fatal accidents at Somkhele in FY2010, and three lost time injuries. The Lost Time Injury Frequency Rate (LTIFR) at Somkhele for the year was 0.83 (2009: 0.29). In the mine’s efforts to improve on this safety record, Somkhele has put in place more intensive programmes to increase safety awareness on the mine.
The management of occupational safety and health is based on programmes devised by the National Occupational Safety Association (NOSA). Somkhele achieved a 4-star NOSA rating during the safety audit conducted in April 2010, and is targeting a 5-star rating in FY2011.
There were no occupational health cases reported during the period. Results from the personal dust exposure surveys performed on employees concluded that all exposures were within the occupational exposure limits of 2.0mg/m3 for coal dust and 0.1mg/m3 for alpha-quartz. The annual Occupational Medical Report has been compiled and submitted to the Department of Mineral Resources (DMR) as required. There were no reportable cases recorded during calendar year 2009.
There were no fatal accidents at SamQuarz during the year, and two lost time injuries. SamQuarz continues to use the NOSA system and in October 2010, achieved a 5-star rating. The operation will continue to manage the existing safety systems and arrange further safety training for all employees.
Silicosis is a potential risk to employees at SamQuarz, and measures have been implemented to mitigate the dangers of silica dust that might lead to its contraction. These measures include monthly monitoring of employees and dust suppression systems as well as personal protective equipment as a last resort. A baseline risk assessment has been drawn up and implemented, while relevant codes of practice have been completed and submitted to the Department of Mineral Resources (DMR). The on-site clinic monitors all employees continually for occupational diseases. Monthly reports are produced and quarterly reports are submitted to the DMR. No new cases of silicosis or any other occupational disease were reported for the year under review.
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.
© 2009 Petmin Limited
