Socio-demographic contributors to health and safety of mine workers in South Africa.

BACKGROUND

Mine workers in South Africa face various health and safety risks, and socioeconomic challenges.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to assess the associations between socio-demographic factors and health, safety and wellness in the South African mining industry.

METHODS

Qualitative and quantitative data were collected from 64 interviews with mine management and labour representatives, 14 focus groups with mine workers, and 875 questionnaires completed by mine workers from three platinum, two gold, one coal, one diamond, and one manganese mine in South Africa.

RESULTS

Health challenges included non-communicable diseases, HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis (TB), and respiratory diseases, while safety challenges included worker behaviour, stress and fatigue. Socio-demographic factors associated with disease, sick leave, fatigue, accidents and job satisfaction included age, length of service, race, nationality, education, mining sector, work status, income, housing, domestic crowding, sleep, exercise, alcohol use, and perceived quality of life.

CONCLUSION

Socio-demographic factors should be taken into consideration when developing workplace health and safety programmes.