Safety accolades for Kumba mines

Two of Kumba Iron Ore’s mines were recognised for their exceptional safety performances in 2008 at the annual Anglo American Chief Executive Safety Awards (CESAs).
Thabazimbi Mine was the joint winner of the Most Improved Operation Award. All Anglo operations worldwide compete for these prestigious awards. The awards have been broadened this year to recognise not just operations, but also the crucial role that employees and contractor teams play as an inspiration to others to work more safely.
The winners were announced at the Anglo American Chief Executive Dinner held on 20 May at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg. Speaking at the event, Anglo Chief Executive Cynthia Carroll said: “Safety is a core Anglo value and nowhere is it better brought to life than through the Chief Executive Safety Awards.”
“Each of the nominees for this year’s awards exemplifies what safety in Anglo is all about: showing genuine care and concern, taking responsibility for your own safety and that of others and the continual pursuit of outstanding safety performance.”
She said: “The significant safety steps we are taking are being reflected in an improved safety performance. The hundreds of sites which have attained coveted Zero Harm status, for example, attest to the numerous pockets of excellence across our Group.”
In 2008 Thabazimbi Mine did not have a single lost time injury (LTIs). The management team at the mine, which has been in operation since 1934, had until recently relied on a systems-based approach to controlling safety performance. Although the site has been fatality-free since 2002 and LTIs have been reducing year on year, the leadership team decided that to achieve its Zero Harm goals, a more integrated approach was required. The team has therefore focused efforts on developing the skills and competence of the workforce so they can carry out their jobs safely. The leader-driven ‘Safety Through Empowerment of People’ (STEP) process is also used to engage with, motivate and recognise employees for achieving safety milestones.
“When managers walk through the plant at Thabazimbi, the first thing you notice is that they know every employee by name. They live our value of care and respect,” said Emmy Leeka, General Manager, Thabazimbi Mine.

Issued by: Kumba Iron Ore Limited