De Beers’ Venetia mine in Musina, Limpopo in South Africa has achieved 10.2 million shifts without any fatalities despite the mine's transition from open pit to underground operations.
Mining Weekly quoted Venetia safety manager Gavin Anderson as saying that an audacious and innovative approach to safety, which included a comprehensive risk management programme helped achieve the record.
He said De Beers endeavoured to provide employees with a psychologically secure working environment, as opposed to merely one that was safe and hygienic.
Anderson further said that psychological safety is a paradigm shift in which leaders exhibit concern for their employees and promote secure production, shifting the emphasis from management to a newfound appreciation of leadership.
Historically, managers have ensured safety compliance by merely verifying the existence of particular standards and procedures.
Conversely, a psychologically safe workplace fosters an environment where employees are encouraged to express their concerns regarding the inadequacy of a procedure or risk assessment in contributing to the overall effectiveness of safety endeavours.
Mathew Nyaungwa, Editor in Chief of the African Bureau, Rough&Polished
