AfriSam’s aggregate operation at Olifantsfontein has adopted a safety/environmental initiative which not only acknowledges outstanding safety performance, but is making a positive contribution towards our planet. As part of this initiative, safety coaches nominate an employee that has stood out for his or her safety performance every week. As recognition for this exceptional performance a tree is awarded to the employee with a name plate bearing the employee’s name and the week the achievement was acknowledged as well as the name of the tree and the date on which the tree was planted.

The initiative kicked off on August 28, 2012 with the first ceremony held in the canteen at Olifantsfontein and attended by all employees. “The trees planted in 2012 were the Kruisbessie, which is the tree of the year for 2013. The Kruisbessie grows quite big and bushes out to create an effective dust screen, making it relevant and effective for a quarry environment,” says Willem Hartzenberg, works manager at AfriSam Olifantsfontein. Hartzenberg sees the celebration of safety through trees as a more valuable reward compared to monetary compensation.

“When you reward someone for safety you need to ensure that the reward is visible and reinforces perpetuity. In this way employees can relate to the fact that their safety performance will be seen by their descendants long after they are gone and makes them feel part of the bigger safety picture,” says Hartzenberg. The trees and name plates supplied by 4 Evergreen, were handed out by the superintendents of the different departments to the respective safety performers. While 4 Evergreen takes care of planting the trees and name plates, the receivers of these awards are responsible for the caring and watering of their respective trees.

Hartzenberg commended all employees, including contractors, for their positive attitude towards safety. “Every action evokes a reaction as a fundamental rule in life. The award reinforces the principle that with good and proper safe behaviour the benefits to yourself are so much more. I am very proud of my team and see the benefits of their behaviour change daily. This initiative has surpassed my greatest expectation and has proven beyond doubt that if you care enough to reward your team with care, your team will care to change and be empowered,” concludes Hartzenberg.

To date, some 33 trees have been planted at this site.