IamThandeka Ngalo

Johannesburg, Steinmüller Africa has set a new benchmark in operational excellence, with its site teams at the Kriel and Majuba power stations each exceeding 1000000 RCR-free hours. Recordable Case Rate (RCR)-free hours are operating runs without a single recordable injury or illness requiring medical treatment beyond first aid. This accomplishment, representing a new standard in industrial safety performance, was reached via two distinct paths: a rapid, eight-month campaign at Kriel involving 950 personnel during critical outages, and a sustained, three-year cultural initiative at Majuba. The results provide a compelling proof point that rigorous safety systems are a direct enabler of quality, efficiency, and reliable project delivery. High-Velocity Performance. At Kriel Power Station, the achievement was a feat of speed and scale. Achieved between 11 August 2024 and 30 April 2025, the milestone occurred while the team executed complex work during critical planned outrages. This high-velocity performance was engineered through a non-negotiable framework of daily controls, including rigorous toolbox talks, continuous risk assessments, dual Eskom and SMA permit-to-work systems, and visible leadership walkabouts. Targeted technologies, such as drone inspections to identify maintenance leaks, were strategically deployed to minimise human exposure in high-risk zones. To mark the achievement, team members were awarded commemorative milestone jackets, reinforcing the value placed on their collective discipline. Excellence Forged Over Time The Majuba achievement showcases the power of long-term cultural discipline. Over three years, the team forged its million-hour record not with temporary measures, but with a deeply embedded philosophy of shared accountability. This commitment permeated every level of the operation, from site management and planning to skilled and unskilled trades. The team’s operating rhythm was defined by empowered hazard …

Steinmüller Africa’s (SMA) team at Kendal Power Station has recorded 2 million hours (1 154 consecutive days) without a Lost Time Injury (LTI) in just over a three-year period. This was achieved from the contract’s inception in January 2022 to February 2025, and highlights the company's strong focus on maintaining the highest safety standards. "Workplace safety is our top priority. We value our employees and are committed to maintaining a safe, productive environment. This achievement reflects our team's dedication and sets a high standard for safety across the organisation. It’s a true testament to the hard work, vigilance, and ongoing efforts for improvement from everyone involved,” says Gift Mashamba, Kendal Project Manager. Several factors have contributed to this achievement, including: Comprehensive risk assessment training for supervisors. VFL’s safety walks, enhancing employee engagement at their workstations. Daily management attendance at morning toolbox talks. Ongoing training on SMA safety policies and procedures, ensuring full employee understanding and adherence. Monthly Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) committee meetings to maintain safety focus. Implementing best practices derived from similar Eskom sites to prevent repeat occurrences at the Kendal Power Station. Line of Fire campaign to raise awareness of safety risks. Brother’s Keeper campaign promoting mutual responsibility for safety. "No to Short-Cut" campaign to emphasise the dangers of cutting corners. "All Hands-on Deck" campaign fostering team collaboration for safety. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) campaign reinforcing personal protective equipment usage. Slip, Trip, and Fall campaign to minimise common hazards on site. Over the course of 3 years and 2 months, the team navigated a series of significant safety challenges, including working in confined spaces with potentially hazardous fumes inside boilers, interfacing with multiple …