The safe space: We are all ambassadors of safety

Menar Group Health & Saftey Manager Ricardo van Rooi

Our unwavering commitment to health and safety is not just a legal obligation, but also a moral responsibility. The law requires and empowers us to conduct our operations in a safe and responsible manner. It is important to remember that safety starts with me. It is not just a management responsibility; it is the responsibility of every employee, to look after their own health and safety.

I want to encourage employees to apply the principles in Sections 22 and 23 of the Mine Health and Safety Act (MHSA). These sections empower every mine employee to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and of those who may be affected by their actions or omissions. As an employee you are also required to comply with the MHSA. This can be achieved by identifying hazards and risks in the workplace, reporting any unsafe behaviours, requesting the appropriate PPE, and taking proactive measures to comply with the act.

Furthermore, Section 23 emphasises that you have the right to leave a dangerous working area and this right should be exercised to ensure your wellbeing. In our busy workplaces, safety is not just a rule—it is our promise to each other as ambassadors. Every day, we put on our boots, adjust our hard hats, and step into our work environment. But beyond the machinery and coal, there is something more profound: our shared commitment to keeping one another safe. Our vision and drive is to ensure that every employee goes home safely to their loved ones.