The South African mining industry is on a promising trajectory. In 2024, the sector recorded its lowest number of fatalities to date – just 42 across all operations – marking a 24% improvement from the previous year. This remarkable achievement reflects not only stricter enforcement and improved technology, but also the growing commitment across the industry to safety, compliance, and continuous improvement.
To maintain and build on this momentum, mining companies are placing renewed focus on their Safety, Health, Environment, Risk, and Quality (SHERQ) systems. A key element in these systems – one that is increasingly recognised for its practical impact – is the Task-Based Risk Assessment (TBRA).
Raising the Bar with Task-Based Risk Assessments
The Mine Health and Safety Act (MHSA) requires every mining operation to proactively identify, assess, and manage risks before work begins. TBRA is central to achieving this, as it allows operations to systematically evaluate routine and non-routine tasks, identify potential hazards, and implement effective controls.
While many operations understand the importance of TBRA, challenges remain. Legacy systems, inconsistent practices, and administrative overload can dilute the effectiveness of even the best-intentioned safety protocols. Fortunately, solutions exist – and Mineware Consulting is proud to be part of the answer.
Mineware’s SHERQ Consulting: Expertise that Delivers Results
Mineware Consulting’s SHERQ division is helping to raise the standard of compliance across the mining sector. With more than 100 years of combined experience in SHERQ disciplines, their team brings a wealth of industry-specific knowledge to this sector.
Their services are designed to empower safety teams to meet and exceed compliance requirements, by offering the following:
- Comprehensive SHERQ gap analyses and consulting
- Tailored development and implementation of risk management frameworks
- Expert facilitation of all HIRA methodologies, including TBRA, Bowtie, Baseline and Issue-Based Risk Assessments
- Practical, on-site training to embed best practices into day-to-day operations
- The goal is simple: to transform compliance from a checklist into a living, operational culture of safety.
- Transforming TBRA with Digital Innovation
Mineware’s SHERQ offering is further strengthened by the company’s integrated software platform. The Syncromine Risk Model Software includes a dedicated Task-Based Risk Assessment module designed to streamline, standardise, and simplify the risk assessment process.
This technology enables:
- Automatic generation of Standard Task Procedures (STPs) directly from TBRA inputs
- Instant production of aligned training material
- Centralised data capture and reporting for faster, more accurate audits
The software’s flexibility allows each mine to customise terminology, methodology, and outputs, ensuring alignment with operational realities while maintaining full legislative compliance.
A Future-Focused Approach to SHERQ
Mineware’s SHERQ services go far beyond risk assessments. The Mineware SHERQ consulting team provides a full suite of services, including:
- Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs)
- SHE Representative audits
- Housekeeping programmes for plant, metallurgical, and warehouse environments
- PTO (Planned Task Observation) development
- Facilitation of incident investigations in line with client protocols
This end-to-end support ensures clients can build a robust SHERQ foundation, capable of adapting to evolving regulations and operational demands, while keeping safety top of mind.
Conclusion
The mining sector in South Africa is proving that progress is possible, and sustainable. As operations look ahead, the focus will be on embedding long-term, measurable safety performance through smarter systems and sharper insights.
Mineware’s SHERQ Consulting services and Risk Model Software are designed to meet that need – supporting mines in aligning with legislation, streamlining their risk management, and maintaining the highest possible standards of safety and operational excellence.
With the right tools and expertise in place, the local mining industry is well-positioned to not only comply, but to lead in the field of SHERQ compliance.
For more information or to connect with the Mineware SHERQ team, visit www.mineware.co.za.
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Author: Esther van der Vyver from Esthervdvyver Copy & Content on behalf of Mineware Consulting.
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