While the drop in worker fatalities to 81 in the mining sector in 2018, as announced by the Department of Mineral Resources on Friday, is good news there are no grounds for complacency.

South Africa’s gold mines were the most dangerous place to work last year and UASA reminds the mining sector of its goal of zero-harm by 2020. Workers have a right to a safe working environment, but when things go wrong the ripple effect is much wider effect than the death of one worker. Workers are breadwinners with an average of 10 people depending on them who will have to go without in the case of a fatality.  

Mines must continue to prioritise zero-harm and build on the turnaround in fatalities.

UASA is pleased with the department’s commitment improve the detection of seismic activities and to assist both big and small mines with equipment and trained personnel to prevent incidents resulting in further fatalities or loss of limbs.

 

Issued by UASA