| |
| At Anglo American Platinum Limited we remain committed to
our objective of “zero harm”. Our first value continues to be “We
put safety first”. We believe that by remaining focused on it and
“living” it on a daily basis we can achieve our goal of seeing every
employee return home unharmed every day. |
| |
EMPLOYEE SAFETY – OUR JOURNEY TOWARDS ZERO HARM
|
Overview of performance
|
We observed a steady decline in the number of
fatalities over the past few years: from 25 in 2007,
to 18 in 2008, 14 in 2009, and eight in 2010. Sadly,
this downward trend did not continue in 2011.
Despite our attention and commitment to safety, 12
people lost their lives while working at Anglo
American Platinum Limited in
2011. We are acutely aware of the immense impacts of
these tragic fatalities at our operations, and
extend our sincere condolences to the families and
colleagues of the people who died.
Four of the 12 fatalities were caused by falls of
ground, three were the result of moving machinery,
two occurred because of explosions, and one was a
transport-related incident. One person was fatally
injured by a falling object, and another while
handling material.
Two fatalities occurred in December, both of which
have been declared non-mine-related by the
DMR. The first involved a suspected criminal
act and the second was caused by a tyre replacement
accident on a contractor vehicle on a public road.
Our system of independent investigations by
specialist teams provides detailed reports on the
underlying cause(s) of every fatal incident and is
used to identify any circumstance likely to result
in a disaster. Comprehensive action plans,
structured around a hierarchy of controls, are
developed to eliminate these underlying causes and
pre-empt harmful situations. New technology is
regularly investigated in order to find innovative
solutions to any challenges identified. Despite our
disappointment with our safety performance in 2011,
we remain optimistic that our efforts to stop
fatalities will yield the desired results in 2012. |
|
 |
|
| |
| The improvement observed in lost-time injury-frequency rate (LTIFR)
in 2010 also did not continue. In 2011, it increased to 1.27 (from
1.17 the previous year). Even though there has been an improvement
of 20% in injuries related to fall of ground, our major risk area,
an increase in hand and slip-and-fall injuries resulted in the
increase in
LTIFR in 2011. |
| |
Strategy
|
In the past Anglo American Platinum Limited's safety, health and environment (SHE)
strategy was not clearly defined, with significant changes
introduced mostly in reaction to setbacks. As a result of these
limitations, it was decided to develop a more proactive and
comprehensive
SHE strategy. Based on historical data and the lessons learnt
from past incidents, this was introduced in 2008. It has since
remained consistent, although subjected to regular review and
updates as new information becomes available and more lessons are
learnt.
The strategy is based on four components: |
| • |
Management systems |
| • |
Engineering and technological solutions |
| • |
People and safety behaviour |
| • |
Wellness in the workplace |
|
| |
|
No fatality is acceptable – in memoriam |
It is with
deep regret that we mourn the loss of 12 colleagues
who died at our operations from work-related
injuries in 2011. We are intensely aware of the
impact each of these fatalities represents and
extend our sincere and deepest sympathies to the
families, friends and colleagues of those who died.
Each incident has been thoroughly investigated, to
ensure that corrective action is taken and
reoccurrence of the cause is prevented across the
entire Group. |
|
Name
|
Date of fatal incident
|
Operation and location
|
Direct cause of incident
|
|
Mr Bulelani Nongwejane |
13 January |
Dishaba Mine |
Falling objects |
|
Mr JD Drotsky |
23 January |
Thembelani Mine |
Materials handling |
|
Mr Tembalethu Sonney Ntampula |
14 February |
Bathopele Mine |
Fall of ground |
|
Mr Ramotlhware Justice Madikong |
2 March |
Union Mine |
Transportation |
|
Mr Ntobeko Jengese |
1 April |
Thembelani Mine |
Fire/explosion |
|
Mr Tainos Shumba |
7 April |
Unki Platinum Mine |
Fall of ground |
|
Mr Mbanja Ntlantla |
1 June |
Bathopele Mine |
Other (loose clothing caught on machinery) |
|
Mr Godfrey Itumeleng Vertein |
30 June |
Khomanani Mine |
Moving machinery |
|
Mr Mpoko Steven Lithakong |
13 August |
Union North Mine |
Fall of ground |
|
Mr Eduardo Calvino Chauque |
10 September |
Khomanani Mine |
Fall of ground |
|
Mr Petrus Kabelo Mokedi |
6 October |
RBMR |
Fire/explosion |
|
Mr Ramontsho Bernard Mfetane |
18 October |
Tumela Mine |
Moving machinery |
|
|
|
| |
Management systems
|
Anglo American Platinum Limited's safety-management system creates a systematic framework
for managing hazards and their associated risks, and complies with
the requirements of the international
OHSAS 18001:2007 standard.
The primary goal of the management systems remains to manage our
major risks. Several software tools have been developed over time to
make best use of the vast amounts of data and information available.
In line with our realisation that line managers are ultimately
responsible for the successful implementation of the strategy, these
software tools have been used to generate information that assists
line managers direct their attention and resources towards the most
significant risks. A key endeavour in 2012 will be to align the
existing software tools in order to supply information that is both
easier to deal with and more consistent.
Our drive to develop
risk-management skills in the organisation was maintained in 2011.
We remain committed to building capacity in this area and recognise
fully the sustainable benefits to be gained from such skills. In
2011, the numbers of trainees were as follows: |
| Risk
training A1 |
2,700 |
| Risk training A2 |
901 |
| Risk training A3 |
214 |
|
|
|
| An unexpected increase in the number of incidents and fatalities
in mechanised mining has necessitated a full review of the
mechanised mining approach at Anglo American Platinum Limited. Three key components –
equipment, mining methods and staff competency – were examined to
ensure that our strategies are aligned with best practice in risk
reduction in mechanised mining. |
| |
Engineering and technological solutions
|
The second component of our safety strategy is
engineering and technological solutions, which is
intended to eliminate or reduce the risks associated
with mining equipment. Because Anglo American
Platinum Limited needs to
ensure that all its systems are aligned with
fast-moving enhancements in technology, and despite
trying economic circumstances and the burden placed
on the organisation’s change management by the
implementation of these technical solutions, large
investments were made in innovation and technology
during the year under review.
Where possible, we responded quickly with measures
and enhancements to prevent the reoccurrence of
fatal and other incidents. An example was the
stoppage of drop-raising activities across all our
managed operations while we found an acceptable
solution to the charging-up process involving
inverted drop raises.
Leading-edge technology has been developed to
eliminate collisions between locomotives operating
underground. This is done by placing, at all
potentially high-risk areas, beacons that slow the
vehicles down automatically when they begin to come
close to each other. Should the drivers not respond
to slow-down warnings, the system brings the
locomotives to a complete standstill before they can
collide. |
| |
Elimination of low-energy incidents
|
| A worrying trend in 2011 was an increase in hand
and foot injuries caused primarily by the improper
handling of materials. A range of tools has been
developed to assist staff members handle materials
safely. |
| |
Silencing of equipment
|
| In line with the 2013 industry milestones, the
elimination of noise-induced hearing loss remains a
priority for the Company. During 2011, significant
progress was made in silencing all equipment
emitting noise levels greater than 110 dBA. This
resulted in more than 2,063 pieces of equipment
being fitted with appropriate silencing apparatus or
being redesigned. Efforts in this area will continue
into 2012. |
|
 |
|
People and safety behaviour
|
Although substantial progress was made last year in formalising
safety systems and best practice across the organisation, it was
realised that significant improvement was also needed in employees’
safety-related behaviour. A Group-wide value and culture survey was
completed towards the end of 2011. An encouraging message from the
survey was that the majority of Anglo American Platinum Limited employees believe that the
Company is truly putting safety first.
A Company Safety Day was held on 3 November, during which Anglo
American Platinum Limited's
top leadership addressed all employees. In order to emphasise the
Company’s message that any compromise on safety is unacceptable, the
day’s events included the presentation of stories of successful
behaviour change leading to improved safety in companies in various
parts of the world; and the discussion of leading practices that are
being developed globally regarding successful changes in safety
behaviour. These learning opportunities are currently being
formulated into a “Zero harm in action” intervention, aimed at
encouraging every single employee to take ownership of the issue of
safety at Anglo American Platinum Limited. |
| |
|
Vehicles passing safely at
Mogalakwena Mine |
| |
|
Engineered solutions |
| A
significant danger at open-pit
operations is the use of large haul
trucks or heavy mining equipment
(HME). The operators of these
vehicles struggle to see the smaller
vehicles sharing the roadways with
them in the pit. Because of this,
the latter face the constant threat
of being run over by the large haul
trucks, usually with disastrous
results for the driver. |
|
|
|
| |
The human
and financial consequences of such incidents are
evident. In order to counteract both, Mogalakwena
Mine has developed a safety technique that provides
HME operators with a “seventh sense”. Based on both
visual and audible feedback, it uses a simple
short-distance radar to activate a four-camera
system that enables the operator to see around his
or her vehicle for a distance of up to 60 metres.
Operators are more aware of their surroundings while
manoeuvring around blind spots and are also
constantly reminded to maintain a safe following
distance.
Verbal feedback is given to each operator in a
language of his or her choice. This ensures that
operators understand the system’s verbal feedback
and warnings regarding obstructions.
While drivers are still ultimately accountable for
the safe operation of their vehicles, they now also
have technological back-up to cater for any slips or
lapses. This has resulted in enhanced safety and in
reduced stress levels for everyone concerned!
Since the introduction of the “seventh-sense”
system, there have been no collisions between HME
and light vehicles at Mogalakwena. There has also
been a significant decrease in the number of
HME-to-HME collisions.
Anglo American Platinum Limited is proud
of the Mogalakwena Mine team who took the initiative
to develop a world-class system facilitating safe
production. Part of the reason why the team
succeeded so well is that it believes that safety
systems should not be complicated, and that simple
techniques are the best path to safety generally.
The approach is an example of the Company’s third
safety principle: non-negotiable but simple
standards. Anglo American Platinum Limited continually seeks ways to make it
easier for its employees to create and embrace a
safer work environment. An achievement such as this
takes us one step closer to “zero harm”. |
|
|
| |
Wellness in the workplace
|
| A key undertaking in 2011 was to make all
employees aware of injuries and how to avoid them,
including the prevention of harm before any work
starts. Should any team or individual feel unable to
deal with a potentially dangerous situation, they
must move away from it and escalate the situation to
the appropriate level. This was best demonstrated
through the application of the A-B-S-P risk-response
plan, in which teams are trained in different
environments and taken through situations when it is
mandatory to ask for help from managers and/or
technical advisers. Our employees need to know that
we do not expect them to work in unsafe conditions;
and that they have the right to withdraw their
labour if they believe they are being placed at
risk. |
| |
Safety focus in 2012
|
|
 |
|
| The
SHE strategy will remain consistent to ensure maintained
focus and a holistic approach. It is important, however, that every
employee should understand his or her role in effectively
implementing the strategy. To this end, its main aspects will be
reviewed to ensure that it is both practical and easy to understand
at all levels in the organisation. Recommendations from the review
on mechanised mining will be acted on to ensure that we conform to
best practice. “Zero harm in action” will be a key focus area of
safety in 2012, so as to encourage compliance and foster employees’
sense of ownership regarding safety issues. |
| |
|
Cynthia Carroll launching the “zero
harm in action” programme at the
Anglo American Platinum Limited Safety Day |
| |
|
Fifty thousand people gather to hear
safety message |
|
Anglo American Platinum Limited showed a dramatic
improvement in safety performance
between 2008 and 2010, with the
latter year experiencing the best
safety performance ever in the
history of the Company. Sadly this
trend failed to continue in 2011,
when deterioration in safety
performance was evident in both the
number of fatalities and the
injury-frequency rates for the year. |
|
|
|
| |
A tragic
increase in fatalities among workers was experienced
by most mining companies in South Africa during
2011. In a bold step aimed at uniting all
stakeholders on the journey to its aim of “zero
harm” in mining, Anglo American Platinum Limited took an active role in the
health and safety protest march organised by the
National Union of Mineworkers on 4 October 2011.
This was the first time in South African history
that unions and mining-house management had joined
forces in a public march to show their commitment to
improving safety performance at mining operations.
All participants agreed that fatalities and injuries
in mining had to be prevented at all costs; and that
the safety and wellbeing of workers had to be
foremost on everyone’s agenda.
Anglo American Platinum Limited recognises that significant change in an
organisation’s safety culture can take several years
to achieve, and remains focused on its commitment to
its goal of zero harm. We believe that we will
achieve this goal by adhering to our key policies
and procedures, and showing our commitment at all
levels of the organisation. It is essential though
to continuously reassess programmes and systems to
evaluate the effectiveness of these, and to
continuously improve programmes in place.
A comprehensive review of the safety strategy and
systems was undertaken in 2011. The results of the
review showed, according to chairman Cynthia
Carroll, that “our problem is not a lack of the
right safety programmes, systems or standards. Our
issue is that we do not implement these effectively
and consistently. As a result, we continue to see
too many deaths and injuries.”
The objective of the Anglo American Platinum Limited Safety Day on 3
November 2011 was to address all Company employees
about concerns regarding safety performance.
Production was halted for the day, and staff members
were transported to central venues where they were
addressed by Cynthia Carroll,
CEO Neville Nicolau, and high-level delegates
from workers’ unions and the Government. Every one
of Anglo American’s operations observed a minute of
silence to show solidarity with Anglo American
Platinum Limited, and
dedicated the day to safety programmes at the sites.
The
CEO Safety Day also saw the launch of the
“zero harm in action” programme. The focus of the
programme will be compliance, and taking personal
ownership of safety. Best practices globally have
been identified and will be used as the basis for
the new initiative.
While it is essential to continually evaluate and
reassess the effectiveness of our programmes and
systems, the progress we have made in respect of
perfecting our formal controls is proven. Where we
need to step up, therefore, is in making employees
aware of the role each person plays in enhancing
safe behaviour at work.
The importance of being part of a team is
highlighted during difficult times; and it is only
by working together as one team that we will achieve
our goal of zero harm in Anglo American Platinum
Limited and across Anglo
American. Employees, contractors, unions, regulatory
authorities and associates make up this team, and
each of them has a role to play in achieving our
goal of zero harm. |
|
|
