Mining ‘zero harm’ motto queried

Recent Blog Posts

Mining ‘zero harm’ motto queried

January 29th, 2010

Some mining managers believe they could achieve ‘zero fatalities’ and ‘zero harm’. A senior African Sheq consultant defends the motto in Q&A with Sheqafrica.com editor Edmond Furter.

DuPont Safety Resources sub-Saharan Africa director Carlman Moyo identifies non-compliant behaviour as a leading cause of mining incidents.

Moyo responded to a set of questions probing the realism of entrenched ‘zero’ mottos, championed by DuPont, the SA Department of Minerals Resources (DMR), and some mining managements.

Q; How could mines achieve more compliant behaviour?

A; For mines operating in South Africa, adherence to rules should become the norm instead of just an aspiration. The DMR had increased their effort to review adherence to the relevant legislation and to react with improvement notices or even stoppage notices.

“Looking back at the recent Presidential inspection audit result at 66% compliance for the local mining industry, increased inspection was most necessary. Now the DMR is adding a direct financial penalty for non-compliance.”

Q; Is the target of zero fatalities a realistic goal?

A; “Zero fatalities must be the mindset, otherwise there would be no improvement. It is a real challenge, but ultimately achievable.

Q; Does the definition or perception of fatalities include delayed death from occupational exposures, like silicosis and TB?

A; “Fatalities statistics currently do not include occupational diseases. The USA OSH law has a category for ‘non-event related incidents’, which is about longer term effects of working conditions like ergonomics, and mining induced silicosis would fall under that category.

Q; Some mines adopt a ‘zero harm’ target. Is this a realistic goal?

A; “Realism of the target depends on where the mine is in its cultural development journey and how you define ‘zero harm’; to some it is within reach. It is hard work, however, and needs constant attention.”

Q; Do miners in your experience believe that a ‘zero fatalities’ goal is achievable?

A; “When we do our surveys we tend to find that miners overall do not really believe in ‘zero’ goals. Many mention seismic incidents and fall of ground as non controllable events.

“When however we analyse actual incidents with our clients, in almost all cases, actions could have been taken to prevent the incidents. It requires determined leadership to really learn from each event and ban repeat incidents. Key ingredients are drive and enthusiasm to establish a culture of positive discipline.”

Q; What science supports the realism of a ‘zero fatalities’ goal?

A; “DuPont started in 1802 as an explosives company and over 200 years learned about managing safety, often learning the hard way. We share our experience and in-house methodology with clients, by training and coaching for safety excellence. We help them to fast track the process to change their safety culture.

“In our experience, it takes about three years to change a safety culture, with some early successes along the way.”