Job Description
To design, implement and continuously enhance a proactive Safety management system for the Karo Platinum Project.
PRIMARY ACCOUNTABILITIES
Safety Management System Implementation
Develop, implement, and maintain a site-wide Safety Management System (SMS) aligned with best practice and Karo corporate requirements.
Ensure all policies, procedures, and risk control standards comply with Zimbabwe’s Mines and Minerals Act, Mining (Management and Safety) Regulations, and other statutory frameworks.
Regularly review and update safety documentation to reflect operational and legislative changes.
Risk Management and Audit
Lead and coordinate site-wide risk assessments, safety audits, and inspections, ensuring identified hazards are effectively mitigated.
Maintain a comprehensive risk register and track implementation of corrective actions.
Support engineering and mining teams in developing safe work procedures and Job Safety Analyses (JSAs) for all critical tasks.
Contractor Safety Management
Oversee safety performance of all mining and construction contractors to ensure compliance with Karo’s safety standards and contract requirements.
Participate in contractor prequalification, onboarding, and review meetings to evaluate safety systems and track leading indicators.
Conduct regular field verifications of contractor compliance with isolation, lock-out/tag-out (LOTO), and permit-to-work systems.
Training and Competency Development
Develop and implement safety induction and training programs for employees and contractors.
Lead initiatives to improve hazard recognition, behavioural safety, and task risk awareness.
Ensure ongoing competency assessments are conducted for supervisors and operational staff in line with legal and site requirements.
Incident Investigation and Reporting
Lead or support investigations into incidents, near-misses, and non-conformances to identify root causes and prevent recurrence.
Maintain an incident database and ensure findings are communicated, tracked, and closed out.
Report safety performance indicators and trends to management, regulators, and corporate stakeholders on a monthly and quarterly basis.
Operational Safety Oversight
Conduct regular workplace inspections and critical control verifications across mining, plant, and project areas.
Monitor compliance with safe operating procedures for drilling, blasting, mobile equipment operation, and energy isolation.
Coordinate with Technical Services and Geotechnical Engineers on pit wall stability, slope safety, and ground control monitoring.
Provide safety inputs into the underground design studies.
Emergency Preparedness and Response
Develop and maintain the site’s Emergency Response Plan (ERP), ensuring alignment with national standards and local authorities.
Conduct emergency simulations and drills to test readiness.
Ensure the mine’s rescue and response capabilities are fully trained and resourced.
Safety Culture and Continuous Improvement
Champion proactive safety leadership and accountability across all levels of the organisation.
Drive the implementation of safety leadership programs and continuous improvement initiatives.
Promote behavioural safety observations, stop-work authority, and visible felt leadership (VFL) practices.
Recognise and reward positive safety behaviours that support Karo’s Zero Harm objectives.
Reporting and Communication
Prepare safety reports, dashboards, and presentations for internal management, corporate teams, and regulatory agencies.
Communicate safety performance data and lessons learned effectively across departments and contractors.
Contribute to Board and Audit Committee safety reports as required.
Duties and Responsibilities
KEY OUTPUTS (DELIVERABLES)
Certified and functioning Safety Management System (ISO 45001 compliant and ready).
Zero fatalities and continuous reduction in total recordable incident frequency rates (TRIFR).
Timely and complete incident investigations and close-out of corrective actions.
Competent and safety-aware workforce and contractors.
Valid, tested, and effective emergency response capability.
Strong safety culture embedded throughout the operation.
Positive external audit outcomes and legal compliance.
AUTHORITY TO ACT
Stop any unsafe work or activity immediately.
Issue safety directives and enforce compliance with site and legal requirements.
Recommend suspension or removal of contractors for repeated safety non-conformance.
Approve safety training content, procedures, and risk assessments.
Represent Karo Platinum during safety inspections and audits by statutory authorities.
WORKING RELATIONSHIPS
General Manager / Operations Director: Strategic safety direction and oversight.
Mine Manager: Coordinate operational safety activities and compliance monitoring.
Technical Services Manager: Collaborate on geotechnical and design-related safety aspects.
HR Manager: Support medical responses and welfare considerations.
Environmental Manager: Align safety with environmental management.
Contractor HSE Representatives: Ensure contractor safety performance reporting.
Project Development Team: Provide safety input during construction and project execution.
Regulatory Authorities (Mines Inspectorate, NSSA): Liaise on inspections and compliance
Requirements
Qualifications and Experience
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
Degree in Occupational Safety, Environmental or Mining Engineering, or equivalent safety qualification.
Certification in safety management (e.g., NEBOSH, SAMTRAC, ISO 45001 Lead Auditor).
Minimum of 10 years’ experience in safety management in large-scale mining or heavy construction, with at least 3 years at managerial level.
Proven experience in building safety systems up for operations and/or operational expansion (1000+ employees).
Demonstrated track record in incident investigation, risk reduction, and Zero Harm program execution.
Strong knowledge of Zimbabwean mining legislation and ISO 45001 requirements.
PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES
Visible and proactive safety leader.
High integrity and commitment to Zero Harm principles.
Excellent communication and training facilitation skills.
Strong investigative ability.
Decisive under pressure with sound judgment.
Collaborative, firm, and credible when engaging contractors and line management
MEASURES OF EFFECTIVENESS
Achievement of site safety performance targets (e.g., TRIFR, LTIFR).
Compliance with legal and ISO 45001 requirements.
Timely close-out of incidents, audits, and corrective actions.
Demonstrated behavioural safety engagement at all levels.
Positive safety audit and inspection outcomes.
Improved safety culture maturity and visible leadership
