South Africa’s mines safety record improves

South Africa’s mines safety record has improved as few mining fatalities, injuries and diseases were reported since the beginning of the year to date compared with the corresponding period last year.
Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) chief inspector of mines and Mine Health and Safety Council chairperson David Msiza said the number of accidents that lead to fatalities dropped by a 34% year-on-year, while the number of actual fatalities eased by 14%.
“It is worth noting that, during 2022, one area in which the industry achieved considerable success was in reducing the number of deaths caused by fall-of-ground (FoG) accidents,” he said in his virtual address of a National Day of Health and Safety in Mining event.
“Once the biggest contributor to the death of mineworkers, FoG now accounts for 4% of the number of occupational deaths in the sector.”
Msiza said the gold and platinum mines are yet to record any FoG-related fatalities this year.
FoG incidents are common in the gold and platinum mines. 
“It is the first time in a long time that we haven’t experienced any FoG accidents,” he said.
“We would like to commend the sector for putting measures in [place to improve conditions] in this regard.” 

Mathew Nyaungwa, Editor in Chief of the African Bureau, Rough&Polished