Mining Weekly reports that the number of mining fatalities, injuries and diseases has decreased for the year to date as compared with the same period last year.

This was revealed by Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) chief inspector of mines and Mine Health and Safety Council chair David Msiza during a virtual commemoration of the fifth National Day of Health and Safety in Mining on Wednesday. He said there had been a 34% reduction in the number of accidents that lead to fatalities year-on-year, while the number of actual fatalities had decreased 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. Once the biggest contributor to the death of mineworkers, FoG now accounts for 4% of the number of occupational deaths in the sector,” Msiza pointed out. He said it was also worth noting that the gold and platinum mines had not experienced any FoG-related fatalities this year. Since its inception in 2018, the goal of the National Day of Health and Safety in Mining has been to demonstrate efforts made by the industry in addressing health and safety-related issues, to reinforce its commitment, and for mining companies to learn from one another to reach the common goal of zero harm. The theme of this year’s National Day of Health and Safety in Mining was ‘Stepping Up To The Challenge’, which aimed to recognise excellence in health and safety in the industry.

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