1 Million fatality free shifts Celebrations for Northam Platinum

SETARIA – Celebrations were at the order of the day at Northam Platinum after the mine achieved their one million fatality free shifts on 25 July 2007.

The mine had achieved one million fatality free shifts in 2001, 2002, 2006 and 2007. Management thanked everyone for working safely. He stated that safety starts at home and it is a state of mind that the workers know all too well. This state of mind determines the outcome of each day. This achievement is just the tip of the iceberg and it could be done again. The chief inspector and a member of the DME (Department of Minerals and Energy) who was also present at the celebration, said that it was not luck that brought this achievement to the mine, but that responsibility resulted in this achievement. He said that everybody is working as a team, a safe team, and that this result did not come easily but took a lot of hard work. The One Million Fatality free shifts trophy was then presented to Mr Nzimande, General Manager of Northam Platinum. In his reply Nzimande thanked every one for being present at the celebrations and reminded everybody that no one comes to Northam Platinum to die or to be injured. As their motto says: ”no work is so important that it can not be done safely”. He said that they use the mining law to work safely and that they all learned from the mistakes and strive for better working conditions for every one. When the management left the stage the celebrations began. Each of the workers were handed braai packs and something to drink, the fires were lit, and all the workers enjoyed what was left of the day.