Underground mining contractor, Murray & Roberts Cementation says it has reached a new milestone by achieving 8 million fatality-free shifts.
This achievement, spanning more than a decade without a single fatality, was set in early January and marks an enviable benchmark in the mining sector, particularly in the inherently high-risk areas of shaft sinking and mine development, it says.
The milestone is a testament to the company’s unwavering commitment to safety and its determination to embed a culture where safety is not just a policy but a way of life. Over the years, Murray & Roberts Cementation has invested heavily in safety training, advanced technologies and fostering a shared responsibility among its workforce.
“This major achievement would not be possible without each and every one of our people being committed and focused on safety as an integral part of everyday work,” Japie du Plessis, Managing Director of Murray & Roberts Cementation, said. “Our teams operate in some of the most challenging environments, and it is their dedication to identifying and mitigating risks, following protocols and supporting one another that has made this accomplishment a reality.”
Achieving this milestone in such a hazardous industry is no small feat. It reflects a deeply embedded safety culture that extends across all levels of the organisation, from senior management to workers on the ground, the company says. Every employee is empowered to take ownership of safety, ensuring that proactive measures are taken to avoid potential risks.
Key to this success is Murray & Roberts Cementation’s health, safety and environment framework which focuses on continuous improvement in safety management and operational performance. The company says it has also embraced cutting-edge technologies which allows people to be removed from the ‘contact area’ where most safety hazards are found.
Murray & Roberts Cementation has long recognised that safety begins with knowledge. The company runs comprehensive training programs at its training academy, equipping employees with the skills and awareness to handle the challenges of working in underground mining environments. Apart from ensuring operational competencies, these initiatives also emphasise hazard identification, risk management and emergency response preparedness.
“Safety is not something we achieve overnight – it requires consistent effort, vigilance and a shared vision across the organisation,” du Plessis added. “Our training programs, combined with the adoption of global best practices and the latest technologies, have been instrumental in maintaining our safety record.”
He concluded: “While the 8 million fatality-free shifts is a proud moment for Murray & Roberts Cementation, we remain focused on maintaining and exceeding this standard through our commitment to continuous improvement, innovation and fostering a resilient safety culture to protect its most valuable asset – our people.”