An integrated safety framework for the diamond mines: a case study from Namibia

Abstract

The Integrated Diamond Safety Maturity Framework is a novel, innovative approach to safety maturity that embraces four Cs, viz. Culture, Competence, Cultivate and Connectedness (4Cs) in a single framework, underpinned by corporate values. As a novel people engagement approach, this framework allows for considering the complexity found in the dynamic reciprocal relationships between these 4Cs and how these enable people to be the strongest link in safety. This safety framework was, for the first time, applied to a Namibian marine diamond recovery company to enhance the safety of its workers at the frontline and support the mines’ safety maturity journey. The objective of this paper is to examine the extent to which the application of the Integrated Diamond Safety Maturity Framework has assisted to enhance the safety of frontline workers as well as support growth in safety maturity. For this purpose, a longitudinal research design methodology was applied to determine changes in safety maturity. Data triangulation was used. It included qualitative safety climate assessments where the whole employee population participated in semi-structured interviews as well as document analysis, which entailed reviewing the leading and lagging data that was collected by the company. The main findings of the study indicated that the application of the 4Cs approach can significantly shift an organisation towards Inherent maturity where people are ready to respond to the next risk. The most advanced area was found to be the culture of leadership, in which many more employees took responsibility for and were accountable for their safety and that of their work teams. The selected lagging and leading indicators also showed improvements, which implied that the number of serious injuries was reduced, with fatalities eliminated. The entire undertaking brings to light new field-based knowledge on how the implementation of the Integrated Diamond Safety Maturity Framework can significantly shift an organisation towards improved safety maturity. Further research is underway as new insights are revealed about the value of the Integrated Diamond Safety Maturity Framework and the role of leadership in eliminating fatalities.