Job Purpose
The Mine Safety Engineer develops, implements, and monitors comprehensive safety systems to prevent accidents, injuries, and occupational diseases in mining operations. The role ensures compliance with the Mine Health and Safety Act (MHSA) while fostering a zero-harm culture through engineering controls, behavioral safety programs, and risk management. Key Responsibilities
1. Safety System Development

• Design engineering controls for major hazards (fall-of-ground, fires, explosions).
• Implement collision avoidance systems (CAS) for mobile equipment.
• Develop emergency response plans for seismic events and methane outbursts.

2. Regulatory Compliance

• Enforce MHSA (Act 29 of 1996) and DMRE regulations.
• Conduct Section 11(5) inspections and compile mandatory SHEQ reports.
• Maintain ISO 45001 certification for occupational health and safety.

3. Hazard Identification & Mitigation

• Lead baseline risk assessments (BRAs) for all mining sections.
• Implement hierarchy of controls for dust, noise, and heat stress.
• Oversee gas monitoring systems (CO, NO₂, H₂S in coal mines).

4. Incident Investigation

• Apply ICAM/5 Whys methodology to analyze accidents.
• Recommend engineering solutions to prevent recurrence (e.g., improved ventilation).
• Maintain SAP EHS incident tracking database.

5. Training & Culture

• Conduct safety inductions for new employees and contractors.
• Deliver behavior-based safety (BBS) workshops.
• Mentor safety representatives on MHSA rights and responsibilities.

Required Qualifications

• BEng/BTech in Mining/Mechanical/Industrial Engineering.
• Mandatory Certifications:
  • SAMTRAC/NEBOSH International Diploma.
  • MHSA Certificate of Competency (2.13.1 – Safety Officer).
• Advantageous:
  • SACPCMP Registration (Construction Safety).
  • COMSOC 1 & 2 (Mine Rescue Certification).

Essential Skills & Competencies
Technical Skills

• Mine Safety Systems:
  • Proximity detection systems (PDS).
  • Ventilation-on-demand (VOD) for toxic gas control.
• Software Proficiency:
  • Ventsim (ventilation modeling).
  • SafetyStratus (incident reporting).
• Regulatory Expertise:
  • Chapter 16/17 of MHSA (Explosives/Electricity).
  • SANS 10208 (Rockbolt Standards).

Behavioral Skills

• Influential leadership to drive safety culture change.
• Crisis management during emergencies.
• Data analysis to identify leading/lagging indicator trends.

Experience Requirements

• 5+ years in mining safety, including:
  • Underground hard-rock/coal experience.
  • Mine rescue team participation.
• Proven Track Record:
  • Reduced LTIFR by ≥30% at previous operations.
  • Implemented successful engineering controls (e.g., dust suppression).