The Department of Labour is working in close conjunction with the Department of Minerals and Energy to ensure that silicosis is dealt with effectively within general industry as well as on the mines.

The Department of Labour’s spokesperson, Zolisa Sigabi, tells Mining Weekly that industry should put engineering control measures in place, such as extraction fans and the covering of silica-dust-producing operations.

She also urges wet methods of sweeping or vacuuming, add- ing that, where engineering controls are not possible, companies must provide employees with protective clothing.

“Employers need to also medically examine their employees to detect the early onset of the disease and educate the employees about silicosis and its effects on human health. “It is also necessary to train inspec- tors [so that they are] able to take silica dust measurements in indus-tries where this is generated,” says Sigabi.

Silicosis continues to be a major health challenge for South Africa’s mining industry, despite the resources that have been pumped into research on the incurable occupational lung disease.

The mining industry has declared that, by December this year, 95% of all exposure measurement results will be below the global 0,1-mg/m3 occupational exposure limit for respirable crystalline silica.

In 2004, the Department of Labour launched a programme to eliminate silicosis from the workplace. The aim of the programme was to raise awareness about the health impact of silica dust and to assist the industry in eliminating the diesease.

To subscribe to Mining Weekly's print magazine email subscriptions@creamermedia.co.za or buy now.