07 December 2014, Swakopmund — Swakop Uranium, the contractors on the Husab mine project as well as Metal and Allied Workers Union of Namibia, MANWU, has signed an agreement to ensure the health and safety of employees and contract workers.
The parties also signed an agreement to intensify safety efforts and minimise the negative impact mining activities have on the environment. The agreement is effective as from Monday, December 1 2014.
According to the partiers the agreement strives to set down principles and procedures which will govern the relationship between Swakop Uranium, the contractors, MANWU and its members in respect of matters related to health, safety and environment (HSE) at the mine site.
Although it is agreed with the stakeholders to observe Swakop Uranium values and other agreements which are in place, such as the Project Labour Agreement and Recognition Agreement, it stipulates that all stakeholders must work as a team to promote an injury-free environment.
Speaking at the signing ceremony yesterday in Swakopmund the chief executive officer of Swakop Uranium, Zheng Keping, said the agreement will ensure that all stakeholders are committed to critically observe risk assessment, standard operating procedures and relevant legislation to ensure that all potential incidents, accidents, injuries and fatalities are prevented, and reported when they occur.
“We all have a mutual interest in the occupational safety and health of employees and the protection of the environment and thus undertake to cooperate in an effort to eliminate occupational HSE hazards and conduct all operations with due consideration for the protection of the environment,” Zheng said.
He added that the agreement also promotes occupational health and safety awareness, encourages and ensures discipline and compliance with occupational HSE practices and procedures among employees, as well as contractors and hired services.
“All companies contracted by Swakop Uranium shall comply with policies and procedures and applicable legislation and promote commitment and teamwork to ensure zero harm to workers and protection of the environment,” Zheng said.
