AMCU worried about rising number of FoG-related mining fatalities
Trade union the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (AMCU) reports that the mining industry has, to date this year, recorded 26 fatalities, compared with 14 fatalities at the same time last year.
Of particular concern is the number of fall-of-ground- (FoG-) related fatalities, at 12 for this year, while FoG-related injuries are at 107, the union points out.
Two people died in FoG-related incidents on June 4 – one at Harmony Gold Mining Company's Joel mine, in the Free State, and the other at Aurous Resources' Blyvoor gold mine, in Gauteng.
Harmony, which has recorded 11 fatalities so far this year, has declared June 5 a Day of Safety across its South African operations in order to engage with employees and other stakeholders and to reflect on safety practices at each of the mines.
AMCU states that the high number of FoG-related injuries and fatalities is an indicator that the mining industry is headed in the wrong direction in terms of fatality prevention, stating that the industry is not doing enough to curb FoG hazards.
The South African mining industry recorded 42 fatalities in 2024, the lowest ever recorded, and a 24% improvement on the 55 fatalities reported in 2023 and the 45 reported in 2022; however, all stakeholders agree that work must continue until there are no fatalities.
With FoG-related deaths remaining a concern, the industry in April 2024 announced an investment of R46-million in the FoG Action Plan. At the time, the industry pointed to the need for improved underground workplace visibility and permanent workface aerial mesh protection.
The introduction of hydropowered drills and the use of exoskeletons are other areas being investigated.
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