Leading underground mining contractor, Murray & Roberts Cementation has reached an extraordinary milestone by achieving 8 Million Fatality Free Shifts in early January 2025. This remarkable achievement, spanning more than a decade without a single fatality, sets an enviable benchmark in the mining sector, particularly in the inherently high-risk areas of shaft sinking and mine development.

The milestone is a testament to the company’s unwavering commitment to safety and its determination to embed a culture where safety is not just a policy but a way of life. Over the years, Murray & Roberts Cementation has invested heavily in safety training, advanced technologies and fostering a shared responsibility among its workforce.

“This major achievement would not be possible without each and every one of our people being committed and focused on safety as an integral part of everyday work,” says Japie du Plessis, Managing Director of Murray & Roberts Cementation. “Our teams operate in some of the most challenging environments, and it is their dedication to identifying and mitigating risks, following protocols and supporting one another that has made this accomplishment a reality.”

A Culture of Safety Excellence

Achieving 8 Million Fatality Free Shifts in such a hazardous industry is no small feat. It reflects a deeply embedded safety culture that extends across all levels of the organisation, from senior management to workers on the ground. Every employee is empowered to take ownership of safety, ensuring that proactive measures are taken to avoid potential risks.

Key to this success is Murray & Roberts Cementation’s Health, Safety and Environment framework which focuses on continuous improvement in safety management and operational performance. The company has also embraced cutting-edge technologies which allows people to be removed from the ‘contact area’ where most safety hazards are found.

Training and Development

Murray & Roberts Cementation has long recognised that safety begins with knowledge. The company runs comprehensive training programmes at its world class training academy, equipping employees with the skills and awareness to handle the challenges of working in underground mining environments. Apart from ensuring operational competencies, these initiatives also emphasise hazard identification, risk management and emergency response preparedness.

“Safety is not something we achieve overnight - it requires consistent effort, vigilance and a shared vision across the organisation,” adds Du Plessis. “Our training programmes, combined with the adoption of global best practices and the latest technologies, have been instrumental in maintaining our safety record.”

A Benchmark for the Industry

The achievement of 8 Million Fatality Free Shifts places Murray & Roberts Cementation among the global leaders in mine safety. It not only demonstrates the company’s operational excellence but also serves as an example for the broader mining industry, proving that safety and productivity can go hand in hand.

As the company continues to grow and expand its operations, safety will remain the cornerstone of its success. This milestone underscores Murray & Roberts Cementation’s unwavering dedication to ensuring that every worker goes home safely at the end of each shift.

“While the 8 Million Fatality Free Shifts is a proud moment for Murray & Roberts Cementation, we remain focused on maintaining and exceeding this standard through our commitment to continuous improvement, innovation and fostering a resilient safety culture to protect its most valuable asset - our people,” Du Plessis concludes.