The ASPASA ISHE and Health and Safety Awards were held remotely on 13 April 2022 to recognise the individuals and organisations who are continually committed to ensuring adherence and advocacy in their respective workplaces.
Surface mining industry association, ASPASA chairperson Gert Coffee commended the organisation and their members for their achievement of Zero Harm incidents for six consecutive years. He reiterated that these awards are a celebration of ASPASA members’ consistency in their health and safety compliance.
Guest speaker, Advocate Paul Marden of Solidariteit, reminded guests of the significance of acknowledging people as an organisation’s greatest asset and resource which needs to be protected and kept safe. He further added the importance of health and safety being a collaborative effort between all stakeholders.
“Adhering to health and safety is not only about people, but it also has practical and economic benefit – you are able to prevent loss of income by not having to either replace experienced personnel or training additional staff in the interim. It also helps retain investor confidence as consistent incidents can mar a company’s image. in turn employees will always have a vested interest in ensuring the economic sustainability of their employer as that directly impacts their ability to make a living.” explains Paul.
Sietse van der Woude, senior executive: Minerals Council South Africa, who was also a guest speaker lauded ASPASA director, Nico Pienaar, and the organisation’s tireless advocacy and global recognition.
All the award winners were commended for their contribution to the industry’s health and safety mandate within their respective organisations and a special moment came when ASPASA director, Nico Pienaar was awarded the ASPASA Top Person of the Year. He was recognised and appreciated by his peers for all the groundwork he’s laid over the years as well as his unwavering commitment to the organisation and its members.
Winners
The ASPASA ISHE and Health and Safety Awards for 2021 are:
1. Top Performer: Afrimat Qwa Qwa
2. Top Independent Performer: Midmar Quarry
3. Top Corporate Performer: Afrimat
4. Health & Safety Management Awards for outstanding commitment:
Lucretia van Rensburg – Afrisam Western Cape
Mogamat Bailey – Afrimat Western Cape
5. Health & Safety Officer:
Laurencia Maphumulo – Midmar Quarry
Donald Katiso Tsotetsi – Afrimat Qwa Qwa
ASPASA, Nico Pienaar, Tel: (011) 791 3327, Fax: 086 647 8034, Email: nico@aspasa.co.za, Web: www.aspasa.co.za