Exxaro attributes its track record of prioritising mining safety to its Khetha Ukuphepa (Choose Safely) campaign.
Exxaro Resources has achieved four years without any fatalities across its mining operations. The company’s last fatality was in March 2017 at Matla Coal, Mine 2 Operation.
Exxaro has a long-standing track record of prioritising mining safety and this achievement can be attributed to the company’s 2019 campaign, Khetha Ukuphepa, which is translated as “Choose Safely”. Exxaro’s campaign has implemented measures to ensure that every employee adheres to strict safety standards and isn’t injured at work, and was executed to achieve Exxaro’s goal of zero harm in the company and across all its assets.
One of the tactical measures of the campaign has been to communicate and highlight the importance of individual safety by educating employees about potential dangers such as equipment, dust inhalation, silicosis, tuberculosis, or even seemingly harmless obstacles like noise or fatigue.
Exxaro group manager for safety and health Dr Joseph Matjila said, “The leadership and strategic initiatives to improve safety regulations have ensured that all of our employees can work in an environment they can trust and that they can return home to their loved ones unharmed.”
In 2012, the Minerals Council South Africa (MCSA) established the CEO Zero Harm Forum to drive health and safety commitments and initiatives through leadership.
