Rand Mutual Assurance (RMA) will use the upcoming Junior Mining Indaba, to be held in Johannesburg on 9 and 10 June, as the launchpad for the expansion of its flagship Prevention Programme into the mining sector. This marks a major milestone in its mission to reduce workplace injuries, strengthen compliance and improve worker wellbeing across South Africa’s high‑risk industries.
The Prevention Programme, first piloted in the metals sector in 2022, has delivered exceptional results. It has grown from 10 companies in its first year to over 100 companies across more than 540 sites, now covering more than 44 000 workers. The programme has consistently exceeded its targets, including a 45% reduction in Total Case Incident Rate (TCIR) for Cohort 1, far surpassing the original target of a 30% reduction by 2030.
With this proven track record, RMA is now ready to extend the model to the mining industry, beginning with junior miners.
“We are approaching the mining sector with humility and partnership. Junior miners operate in diverse environments, and some already have strong systems in place. Our intention is not to prescribe, but to support, offering a proven programme that can help close gaps, strengthen compliance and ultimately protect workers,” explains Kyle Fredericks, RMA’s Managing Executive of Social Insurance
A proven programme with measurable impact
The Prevention Programme was launched to address persistently high incident rates in the metals class, where injuries per 1 000 workers were significantly higher than in mining. The pilot introduced a structured, hands‑on model that includes:
- Day and night gap analyses
- Occupational hygiene assessments (noise, dust, vibration, air quality)
- Ergonomics and PPE surveys
- Risk management audits
- Safety culture initiatives
- Training (legal liability, first aid, firefighting, SHE rep, incident investigation)
- Wellness interventions (Primary and Occupational Health screenings, counselling, financial wellness)
- Industrial theatre, toolbox talks and safety campaigns
The results have been transformative. Participating companies have reported:
- 45% reduction in TCIR in Cohort 1
- 27% reduction in injury‑on‑duty cases for some employers
- Up to 50% reduction in DIFR
- R1.3 million saved for employees through financial wellness support
- Over 5 000 shop stewards trained across NUMSA, NUM, UASA, AMCU and Solidarity
- 14 425 employees supported through wellness programmes
- 72-plus industrial theatre shows delivered
- Significant improvements in compliance scores, rising from 47% to 88% in some companies
“These results show that prevention is not only possible but that it is also powerful. We have seen companies reduce injuries, improve morale, strengthen compliance and build safer, more productive workplaces,” says Kyle Fredericks.
Why junior miners, and why now
South Africa’s major mining houses have long been leaders in occupational health and safety, but junior miners operate in a more varied and resource‑constrained environment. Many work in open‑cast operations, tailings reclamation or artisanal mining, and some inherit older systems from previous owners.
This creates a unique opportunity for targeted support.
RMA will use the Junior Mining Indaba to introduce theprogramme, engage operators directly and begin identifying the first cohort of mining participants. The organisation aims to onboard at least 10 junior miners by the end of 2026.
The expansion is also aligned with the COIDA Amendment Act, which came into full effect in April 2026 and places explicit emphasis on prevention. This introduces new responsibilities for employers, particularly around rehabilitation, return‑to‑work processes and long‑term employee support. These changes reflect a broader shift in national policy, specifically a move towards early intervention, improved worker outcomes and greater accountability for employers.
“The amended Act makes prevention a legal requirement. But beyond compliance, prevention is the right thing to do. It protects workers, reduces downtime, and strengthens the long‑term sustainability of mining operations,” notes Fredericks.
“Prevention is not an added cost, but rather an investment in operational excellence. Safer workplaces are more productive, more resilient and more sustainable.”
Celebrating excellence: RMA Prevention Awards and industry leadership
RMA will continue to recognise excellence through its Prevention Awards, launched in 2024 and now a flagship event in the metals sector. The second edition of the awards ceremony took place on 28 May 2026, celebrating companies that have demonstrated leadership and innovation in safety, wellness and compliance.
Since their inception, the awards have become a platform that has quickly evolved into one of the most important gatherings in South Africa’s occupational health and safety landscape.
“The awards are about shining a light on what good looks like. As we expand into mining, we look forward to celebrating excellence in this sector too,” concludes Fredericks.