By: African mining

At Cementation Africa, safety is regarded as the foundational principle of project design, planning, and execution, rather than a mere compliance checklist. This philosophy is based on the conviction that safe working environments must be systematically engineered into operations from the outset.

The company has evolved beyond a procedural approach, embedding safety directly into its operational DNA. According to Trevor Schultz, the company's Risk Executive, this shift involves making safety an intrinsic part of engineering the work environment, particularly for high-risk activities like shaft sinking. This cultural transformation began over two decades ago with the recognition that procedures alone are insufficient; people are empowered to make safe decisions when hazards are eliminated at the design stage.

The in-house mine engineering team is central to this strategy. John Goulding, a Study Manager, explains that their design philosophy focuses on creating an environment where safe work is the default, integrating safety considerations at the concept phase rather than retrofitting them later. This involves applying deep practical expertise and innovative technologies—from advanced shaft sinking methods to mechanized systems—to minimize human exposure to hazards.

This engineered approach is supported by a proactive safety culture. The company promotes "Visible Felt Leadership" (VFL), where everyone from executives to frontline crews demonstrates safety ownership. The culture also emphasizes real-time reporting of concerns without fear of blame and holds all subcontractors and partners to the same stringent safety standards.