“The health and safety of our employees remain our priority, and we will never compromise safety for productivity. At Sibanye-Stillwater, we believe that a safe workplace is productive, and sufficient industry evidence confirms this. Obviously, we need to be mindful of the sustainability of our operations and as such, will continue to work together with stakeholders to ensure we are able to achieve both. But we will never accept profit over safety.”

These statements were made by Sibanye’s Henrika Ninham, in charge of investor relations and corporate affairs in an interview with Mining Review Africa. She reflected on the company’s recent health and safety accolades received at the SAIMM MineSafe 2024 conference in Cape Town.

The company was particularly recognised, for its safety innovations and exemplary dust control practices, underscoring its role as a pioneer in the mining industry.

Ninham shared with MRA that the company focuses on cultivating a safety culture across all operations. The priority is mainly the Fatal Elimination Strategy, a comprehensive approach that sensitises workers to be mindful of safety protocols. The strategy emphasises reducing high-potential risk areas through robust Group Minimum Standards.

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“Our teams continue to drive real risk reduction in the workplace. “We’re ensuring that all incidences are thoroughly investigated, and the lessons learnt are integrated into our safety protocols. This proactive approach ensures continuous improvements and sustained safety performances,” explained Ninham.

Ninham also stressed that Sibanye-Stillwater’s success is in its employee engagement strategy, which empowers frontline workers to take ownership of safety. The company encourages employees to halt risky activities and address hazards before resuming work.

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Detailing on challenges, she mentioned that their ongoing focus is the company’s emphasis on value-based decision-making, which has significantly increased the number of safety-related stoppages, such as halting operations to address potential equipment malfunctions or stopping work to rectify unsafe working conditions, thereby reflecting heightened awareness and accountability across its workforce.

“Training programs play a critical role in this approach, equipping employees with the skills to identify and mitigate risks effectively. The company also credits its line management teams, particularly Vice Presidents, for driving a safe organisational culture and holding teams accountable for safety outcomes,” mentioned Ninham.

When asked about their competitive edge in safety, she responded, “Real risk reduction is observed across most of our operations and is reflected in our lagging and leading indicators, which continue to improve notably year-on-year for all group-level indicators. Our current safety lagging indicator performance compares favourably to peer companies with a similar risk profile. The Group’s commitment to safety is reflected in its achievements and recognition in the industry.”

Moreover, the company is also committed to aligning its operations with its broader Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) targets by integrating sustainable practices into its safety strategies. Sibanye-Stillwater ensures that safety and productivity are not viewed in isolation.

“The Group’s commitment to safety is reflected in its achievements and recognition in the industry.”

Ninham indicated that the company aims to stay ahead of its plans by prioritizing Planned Task Observations (PTOs) as a cornerstone of its safety management routines. “This initiative aims to strengthen supervisor and manager accountability while fostering a positive cultural shift within the organisation,” said Ninham.

Sibanye-Stillwater’s recent accolades reflect not only its success but also its potential to influence industry standards. Its proactive approach to risk reduction, employee empowerment, and innovation provides a roadmap for other mining companies aiming to enhance safety performance.

As the company prioritises the health and safety of its workforce, its unwavering commitment to fostering a safe and sustainable workplace positions Sibanye-Stillwater as a benchmark for safety excellence in the global mining sector.