Cynthia Carroll's Impact on Safety at Anglo American:
Cynthia Carroll assumed the role of CEO at Anglo American amidst a challenging scenario, with nearly 200 worker fatalities in the preceding five years. Dismissing the fatalistic perspective held by some company veterans, Carroll delved into understanding the complexities during operational tours across diverse locations like Australia, Chile, Colombia, Venezuela, and South Africa. Despite the platinum business in South Africa showing a relatively better safety record, Carroll's discussions with local managers left her unsettled. Promptly responding to another fatality, she ordered the immediate shutdown of the world's largest platinum mine, a move that affected over 30,000 employees.
In a bid to revamp safety standards, Carroll implemented intensive retraining programs, impacting 3,000 leaders and 12,000 line managers, supervisors, and frontline workers since 2008. Additionally, she spearheaded the Tripartite Alliance, collaborating with the South African Department of Mineral Resources and the National Union of Mineworkers, resulting in a 62% reduction in fatalities and a 50% decrease in time lost due to injuries by 2011. Carroll's initiatives not only transformed Anglo American's safety performance but also set a benchmark for the entire mining industry.
