Review of Mine Health and Safety Act needed

Pretoria - Mineral Resources Minister Susan Shabangu says there is a need to review the current Mine Health and Safety Act to address poor health and safety issues in the mining industry.

"This review will strengthen enforcement provisions, reinforce penalties and provide clarity in certain definitions and expressions," said Shabangu, addressing the media in Pretoria on Tuesday.

Shabangu said despite latest figures for the period 1 January to 12 March 2012 showing that fatalities have improved by 19%, the health and safety of workers in the mining industry remained an issue of grave importance to her department.

The minister said that the amendments were expected to be tabled in Cabinet soon.

She also warned that her department will continue to shut down unsafe mines in terms of Section 54 of the Mine Health and Safety Act. This would ensure that employers take appropriate measures to prevent harm to mine employees.

"As government we have to use the Mine Health and Safety Act and related legislation to take appropriate action to ensure that workers have a safe and dignified work environment, that their right to sanctity of life is protected," she said.

Shabangu said there was a lack of significant improvement regarding health issues - mainly noise-induced hearing loss and silicosis diseases. The total number of noise-induced hearing loss and silicosis diseases incidents reported by the mines during 2010 and 2011 is about 1 200 and 1 700 respectively.

"The mining sector is encouraged to significantly focus on health matters as there has not been a notable improvement and more employees lose their lives as a result of exposure to health hazards than mine accidents," she said.

The department will continue to encourage and support effective measures introduced by the mining industry for enhancing health and safety including the mining industry occupational safety and health.

With regard to women miners, Shabangu said all employers have a duty to ensure that women are protected at their work places.

She said her department hoped to achieve zero harm in the mining industry. Having said that, Shabangu expressed concern at company bosses who put profits first and did not care about the safety of mineworkers.

"They are only concern about the profit they are making, the safety of workers must come first then they will be able to make more money," she said. - BuaNews