Table Of ContentMine Health and Safety Council
Personal Protective Equipment for Women in the South African
Mining Industry
Final Report
LI Zungu
Research agency: University of South Africa
Project number: SIM 10 09 04
Date: March 2012
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Table of contents
Executive summary ............................................................................................................................................ 8
Acknowledgements ........................................................................................................................................... 10
1 Introduction and background ........................................................................................................ 11
1.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................................... 11
1.2 Background ................................................................................................................................. 11
1.2.1 Health and safety milestones for the mining industry .................................................................. 12
1.2.2 Legal framework for gender employment in South Africa ............................................................ 12
1.2.3 Gender employment pattern for the South African mining industry ............................................. 13
2 Enabling output 1: Literature review ............................................................................................ 15
Review of previous research outcomes relating to PPE for women in mining and
non-mining sectors ....................................................................................................................... 15
2.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................................... 15
2.2 Methodology ................................................................................................................................. 15
2.3 Results ......................................................................................................................................... 16
2.3.1 Review of literature on the provision and utilisation of personal protective equipment
in the mining industry ................................................................................................................... 16
2.3.1.1 Studies indicated that the selection, provision and use of PPE in the workplace
should be based on a hazard identification and risk assessment process for PPE .................... 16
2.3.1.2 Studies agreed that in selecting PPE, emphasis should be placed not only on
efficacy but should incorporate ergonomic and comfort aspects of users ................................... 18
2.3.1.3 Studies found that poor fit of PPE and discomfort was the primary reason for non-
compliance of employees with PPE requirements and the resulting increase in the
risk of occupational injuries and ill-health .................................................................................... 18
2.3.2 Review of studies on causes of infections, chaffing, rashes and other health-related
conditions related to PPE as experienced by women .................................................................. 19
2.3.2.1 Studies revealed that exposure of female workers to diseases and irritations of the
skin may be related to the PPE used ........................................................................................... 19
2.3.2.2 Studies showed that female workers are exposed to other health conditions related
to PPE use ................................................................................................................................... 20
2.3.3 Review of literature on currently available PPE for women in heavy duty work
environments including mining ..................................................................................................... 21
2.3.3.1 Studies showed that most of the PPE and tools available in heavy duty work
environments such as construction sites and mines are designed based on male
populations ................................................................................................................................... 21
2.3.3.2 Studies found that available PPE did not fit female workers, leaving them
unprotected from health and safety risks and further compromising their personal
comfort and work performance .................................................................................................... 22
2.3.3.2.1 Overalls, raincoats and aprons .................................................................................................... 22
2.3.3.2.2 Body-cooling garments ................................................................................................................ 23
2.3.3.2.3 Safety gloves, leg and knee protectors ........................................................................................ 23
2.3.3.2.4 Safety helmets.............................................................................................................................. 24
2.3.3.2.5 Safety goggles.............................................................................................................................. 24
2.3.3.2.6 Respirators ................................................................................................................................... 24
2.3.3.2.7 Hearing protection devices ........................................................................................................... 25
2.3.3.2.8 Safety footwear ............................................................................................................................ 25
2.3.3.3 Recent studies indicated that PPE suppliers and general contractors as well as employers
in the mining industry are realising that it makes sense to ensure that women are
equipped with appropriate PPE.................................................................................................... 25
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2.3.3.4 Studies identified distribution of PPE as one of the main difficulties hampering the
provision of women PPE .............................................................................................................. 26
2.3.4 Review of literature on current strategies and regulatory systems used for the selection
and provision of PPE for mine workers ........................................................................................ 26
2.3.4.1 Studies report that multiple approaches are being used in deciding what PPE to provide to
employees in heavy duty work environments .............................................................................. 26
2.3.4.2 Studies recommended that a comprehensive strategy is required for an effective
management of PPE provision to ensure the availability of appropriate PPE for female
workers that would involve all sectors with a role in the selection, provision and use of
PPE .............................................................................................................................................. 27
2.3.5 Conclusion ................................................................................................................................... 29
3 Enabling output 2: Survey of health and safety challenges related to current PPE use
among women in mining .............................................................................................................. 30
3.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................................... 30
3.2 Methodology ................................................................................................................................. 30
3.2.1 Study design................................................................................................................................. 30
3.2.2 Study setting and population ........................................................................................................ 30
3.2.3 Data collection method and process ............................................................................................ 30
3.2.4 Ethical considerations .................................................................................................................. 31
3.2.5 Data management and analysis................................................................................................... 31
3.3 Limitations of the study ................................................................................................................ 31
3.4 Results ......................................................................................................................................... 32
3.4.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................................... 32
3.4.2 Findings for women in mining ...................................................................................................... 32
3.4.2.1 Mining details ............................................................................................................................... 32
3.4.2.2 Demographics of WIM .................................................................................................................. 32
3.4.2.3 Knowledge and understanding of PPE ........................................................................................ 38
3.4.2.4 Types of PPE used by WIM ......................................................................................................... 38
3.4.2.5 Health and safety challenges experienced by WIM related to PPE............................................. 39
3.4.2.5.1 Body protection (overalls) ............................................................................................................ 40
3.4.2.5.2 Head protection (hard hats) ......................................................................................................... 42
3.4.2.5.3 Foot protection (gumboots and safety shoes) .............................................................................. 42
3.4.2.5.4 Hand and arm protection (hand gloves) ....................................................................................... 43
3.4.2.5.5 Eye protection (safety glasses) .................................................................................................... 44
3.4.2.5.6 Respiratory protection (dust masks) ............................................................................................ 44
3.4.2.5.7 Hearing protection (ear protection) .............................................................................................. 44
3.4.2.5.8 Socks ............................................................................................................................................ 45
3.4.2.5.9 Rescue packs, lamp battery and securing belt ............................................................................ 45
3.4.2.6 Participation in PPE selection ...................................................................................................... 46
3.4.2.7 Acceptability and satisfaction of current PPE by WIM ................................................................. 46
3.4.2.8 Health problems and safety challenges related to current PPE among WIM .............................. 48
3.4.2.9 Diseases diagnosed among WIM ................................................................................................ 49
3.4.2.10 Diseases and other injuries related to PPE among WIM ............................................................. 50
3.4.2.11 Body areas affected by specific PPE ........................................................................................... 50
3.4.2.12 Causes of infection, rashes and chaffing among WIM ................................................................ 51
3.4.2.12.1 Underwear as a contributory factor for infections, rashes and chaffing ....................................... 51
3.4.2.12.2 Underground toilet facilities .......................................................................................................... 53
3.4.2.13 Coping mechanisms used by WIM to deal with ill-fitting PPE ...................................................... 54
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3.4.2.14 Suggestions for improvement reported by WIM ........................................................................... 55
3.4.3 Findings of data analysed from health care workers ................................................................... 55
3.4.3.1 Socio-demographic information ................................................................................................... 55
3.4.3.2 Challenges of current PPE among WIM ...................................................................................... 56
3.5 Discussion of findings, conclusion and recommendations .......................................................... 60
3.5.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................................... 60
3.5.2 Age and education distribution ..................................................................................................... 60
3.5.3 Knowledge and understanding of PPE ........................................................................................ 61
3.5.4 Health and safety challenges experienced by WIM regarding different types of PPE ................. 61
3.5.4.1 Body protection (overalls) ............................................................................................................ 61
3.5.4.2 Foot protection ............................................................................................................................. 62
3.5.4.3 Hand protection ............................................................................................................................ 63
3.5.4.4 Hearing protection ........................................................................................................................ 63
3.5.4.5 Eye protection .............................................................................................................................. 63
3.5.5 Acceptability of current PPE ......................................................................................................... 64
3.5.6 Participation in PPE selection ...................................................................................................... 64
3.5.7 Health problems and safety challenges experienced by WIM ..................................................... 64
3.5.7.1 Gynaecological disorders among WIM ........................................................................................ 64
3.5.7.2 Experiences of musculoskeletal disorders among WIM .............................................................. 65
3.5.7.3 Experiences of work-related injuries among WIM........................................................................ 65
3.5.7.4 Experiences of infections, chaffing and rashes among WIM ....................................................... 65
3.5.8 Underwear .................................................................................................................................... 66
3.5.9 Underground sanitary facilities ..................................................................................................... 67
3.6 Conclusions .................................................................................................................................. 67
3.7 Legislative impact of PPE health and safety effects of PPE for WIM .......................................... 68
3.8 Recommendations ....................................................................................................................... 69
3.8.1 Policy ............................................................................................................................................ 69
3.8.2 Practice ........................................................................................................................................ 69
3.8.2.1 Selection and provision of PPE for women in mining .................................................................. 69
3.8.2.2 Awareness, education and health promotion ............................................................................... 70
3.8.2.3 Improvement of sanitary amenities .............................................................................................. 71
3.8.3 Further research ........................................................................................................................... 71
4 Guidelines for the requirements for PPE selection and provision or women in mining ............... 71
4.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................................... 71
4.2 Selecting PPE for women in mining ............................................................................................. 73
4.3 Rationale for PPE redesign specifically for women in mining ...................................................... 73
4.4 Guidelines for re-design of certain PPE for women in mining ..................................................... 74
4.4.1 Technical considerations for providing safety glasses/goggles ................................................... 78
4.4.2 Technical considerations for providing helmets for women miners ............................................. 79
4.4.3 Promotional strategy for provision of PPE for WIM...................................................................... 79
4.4.4 PPE maintenance and auditing the PPE programme .................................................................. 79
4.4.5 Training and support of workers in the use and limitations of PPE ............................................. 80
4.5 Conclusions .................................................................................................................................. 80
List of references .............................................................................................................................................. 81
Appendices:
Appendix A: Ethical Clearance Certificate ........................................................................................................ 87
Appendix B: List of PPE provided at the study sites per occupation ................................................................ 88
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List of Figures
Figure 1.1: Distribution of all mine workers from 1988 – 2008 ............................................................ 13
Figure 1.2: Gender distribution of mineworkers from 1988 – 2009 ...................................................... 14
Figure 3.1: Age distribution of WIM (n=116) ....................................................................................... 33
Figure 3.2: Distribution of marital status of WIM (n=118) .................................................................... 34
Figure 3.3: Body mass index distribution of WIM (n=118) ................................................................... 35
Figure 3.4: Participants‟ reasons for working in the mining industry (n=118) ...................................... 37
Figures 3.5a-c: Photos showing ill-fitting PPE worn by WIM ..................................................................... 41
Figures 3.6a,b: Photos of participants wearing “iduku” and additional PPE on the helmet ........................ 42
Figure 3.7: Photo of gum boots and safety shoes worn by WIM ......................................................... 43
Figures 3.8a,b: Photos of hand gloves and calluses .................................................................................. 43
Figure 3.9: Photo of hearing protection (ear protection) ...................................................................... 44
Figures 3.10a,b: Photos of oversized thick wool socks ................................................................................ 45
Figures 3.11a,b: Photos of rescue pack, lamp battery and safety belt worn by WIM ................................... 46
Figures 3.12: Diagnosed diseases as reported by WIM (n=118) ............................................................ 49
Figure 3.13: Photo of a participant wearing nylon tight as undergarment ............................................. 52
Figures 3.14a,b: Photos of toilet facility underground and a woman miner dressing up after using
the toilet ............................................................................................................................. 53
Figure 3.15: Comments by WIM regarding PPE and toilet facilities underground (n=118) ................... 55
Figure 3.16: Health and safety adverse effects of the current PPE provided for WIM (n=13) ............... 59
Figure 4.1: Elements for the requirements for PPE selection for WIM ................................................ 72
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List of Tables
Table 2.1: Hazards present in the mines and types of PPE protection required ..................................... 17
Table 2.2: Comprehensive strategy to address the PPE needs of female employees involving all
PPE role players ..................................................................................................................... 28
Table 3.1: Mining details of WIM who completed the questionnaires (n=118) ........................................ 32
Table 3.2: Distribution of ethnicity for WIM (n=118) ................................................................................. 33
Table 3.3: Highest level of education among WIM (n=118) ..................................................................... 34
Table 3.4: Distribution of current occupation for WIM (n=118) ................................................................ 35
Table 3.5: Previous occupations of WIM (n=62) ...................................................................................... 36
Table 3.6: Distribution of years of experience of WIM (n=110) ............................................................... 37
Table 3.7: Knowledge and understanding of PPE by WIM (n=118) ........................................................ 38
Table 3.8: Health and safety challenges experienced by WIM regarding PPE (n=118) .......................... 39
Table 3.9: Acceptability of PPE among women working in mining industry (n=118) ............................... 47
Table 3.10: Preferences reported by WIIM regarding the style and colour of PPE (n=118) ..................... 48
Table 3.11: Women‟s health and safety challenges relating to PPE provided .......................................... 49
Table 3.12: Injury and other experiences reported by WIM (n=118) ......................................................... 50
Table 3.13: WIM‟s experiences regarding specific PPE used (%)............................................................. 51
Table 3.14: WIM understanding of underwear they used as a contributing factor for their health
problems (n=118) .................................................................................................................... 52
Table 3.15: Access to toilet facility and its hygiene conditions as reported by WIM (n=118) .................... 54
Table 3.16: Socio-demographics of HCWs (n=20) .................................................................................... 56
Table 3.17: Causes of infections, chaffing and rashes among WIM as reported by HCWs (n=13) .......... 56
Table 3.18: HCWs reported measures are taken, or could be taken, to eliminate, control or
minimise the risks of infections, chaffing and rashes (n=20) .................................................. 57
Table 3.19: HCWs‟ view regarding underwear as PPE (n=19) .................................................................. 57
Table 3.20: HCWs reported health challenges regarding PPE (n=20) ...................................................... 58
Table 3.21: Health and safety challenges of current PPE reported by WIM or noticed by
HCWs (n=10) .......................................................................................................................... 58
Table 3.22: Recommended solution and comments made by HCWs ....................................................... 60
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List of abbreviations
ANSI American national standards institute
CCOHS Canadian centre for occupational health and safety
CSA Canadian standards association
CTCP Cotton tights/cotton pants
DMR Department of Mineral Resources
HCWs Health care workers
HPD Hearing protecting device
HSE Health and safety executive
ILO International Labour Organization
MHSA Mine Health and Safety Act
NTSP Nylon tights/synthetic pants
NIHL Noise induced hearing loss
NIOSH National institute for occupational safety and health
OSHA Occupational safety and health administration
PPE Personal protective equipment
SABS South African bureau of standards
SANS South African National Standards
SAMHS South African mine health and safety
SAMI South African mining industry
SIMRAC Safety in mines research advisory committee
SIM Safety in mines
TWA Time-weighted average
UNDP United Nations development programme
USA United States of America
WIM Women in mining
WEL Well above exposure limit
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Executive summary
Background
Historically the mining industry has been a male-dominated sector. The employment and
involvement of women in South African mines is a relatively new phenomenon. As a result, many
aspects of the work environment within the South African mining industry offer little or no gender-
appropriate accommodations for females. Provision of personal protective equipment (PPE)
represents one area where equipment is designed to exclusively suit the male physique. Women in
mining have special health and safety needs resulting from their unique anatomical and
physiological makeup. Additionally, there is a paucity of published data on the health and safety
concerns and issues of women in mining.
Aim
The primary purpose of this project was to develop comprehensive and systematic requirements to
assist the South African mining industry in the selection and provision of appropriate and suitable
PPE for women in mining (WIM). Such PPE should be suitable for WIM‟s body physique and
enhance compliance by all end-users (WIM).
Methodology
As a preliminary step within this project, a review of both national and international predecessor
research outcomes was conducted. This served as the basis for the elaboration of comprehensive
and systematic requirements for selecting PPE for women in the South African mining industry.
Secondary to this, a quantitative cross-sectional descriptive survey was conducted in the mines,
using a structured questionnaire and participant observations across three study sites, namely, two
Gold mines and one Platinum mine. Two groups of participants were used from the same mines,
i.e. WIM (PPE end-users) and health care workers (HCWs) involved in the management of minor
ailments of mine workers.
Findings of literature review
The findings of the literature review revealed that PPE available for use in the mines and other
heavy duty work environments such as the construction industry do not fit female workers as most
PPE are designed based on the male population characteristics. This implies that female mine
workers do not have adequate protection against risks from work-related hazards while their
personal comfort and work performance may be compromised. Additionally, literary sources also
indicated a possible association between the type of PPE used by women with increased
vulnerability to skin conditions such as contact dermatitis, chaffing and rashes including bacterial
and fungal infections of the feet.
Finally, the review of literature showed that the selection, provision and use of PPE in the
workplace should not only be based on hazard identification and risk assessment processes, but
should incorporate ergonomic and comfort aspects of users so as to guarantee PPE efficiency for
all workers. This approach will ensure that the specificities of female anthropometrics are
accommodated without making gender an issue in the workplace.
Findings from the survey
The results of this survey clearly indicate that WIM are facing health and safety challenges related
to PPE they currently use; because it was designed for a male physique/body structure. It is also
evident that WIM are dissatisfied with PPE primarily because of issues related to it poorly fitting
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them. Consequently they have been diagnosed with various types of illnesses as well as infections,
chaffing and rashes. Ill-fitting PPE contradicts the notion that effective protection is only achieved
by suitable PPE, which is properly fitting, maintained and correctly used. The situation is further
exacerbated by the unique coping mechanisms (e.g. use of nylon tights and thick wool socks as
undergarments), that WIM have been compelled to practice in order to adjust/correct the ill-fitting
PPE. These unorthodox adjustments further increase the risk of resulting infections, chaffing and
rashes.
Furthermore, results from the survey revealed a generalised lack of adequate toilet facilities for
women in the mines surveyed. These unacceptable hygiene conditions pose a specific risk for
women with regard to developing infections. Also, undergarments (underwear) that WIM use to
adapt their PPE contribute to their health problems including infections, chaffing and rashes.
Conclusions
WIM have generally good knowledge and understanding of the uses of various types of PPE in
relation to the nature of their jobs. However, poorly fitting PPE exposes them to health and safety
hazards associated with mining and make them less able to perform their duties efficiently.
Evidently the results indicate the need for greater focus on the health needs of WIM. Additionally,
findings from this survey indicate a need to redesign PPE for WIM to accommodate their
anatomical and physiological body structures to ensure proper fit, comfort and maximum protection
from mining hazards.
Recommendations
It is recommended that comprehensive strategies should be introduced as follows:
a. Application of the principles of hazard identification and risk assessment;
b. Incorporation of ergonomic and comfort features of individual workers to ensure that PPE is
available to all workers;
c. Adoption of promotional strategies to improve the use and maintenance of and
responsibility for PPE;
d. Adoption of a comprehensive approach that brings together all sectors involved in PPE
design, production, supply, selection, use and maintenance as a strategy most likely to
meet the PPE requirements for all workers and the specific PPE needs of female workers.
Currently, the MHSA does not regulate the provision of PPE for different gender groups, and
specifically for women in mining. However Section 1 of the MHSA stipulates that “employers are
obliged to ensure and promote the health and safety of their employees”. Based on the findings of
this study, there is the need to regulate the mining sector specifically with respect to the provision
of health and safety equipment and facilities for women in mining.
In addition, the MHSA does not regulate the provision of undergarments for mine workers, but
women are classified as “vulnerable workers” according to ILO standards, and WIM are no
exception. Therefore, based on the findings of this study and validated with relevant literature
sources, it is recommended that the specifications provided in SANS (511:2011) for providing
undergarments for women workers be used by the mining sector. This will address health issues of
infections, chaffing and rashes currently faced by WIM.
Lastly, based on the findings of this study, it is recommended that the requirements for the
selection and provision of PPE for WIM developed as the primary output of this project, be used as
a minimum standard for compliance with the provision of appropriate PPE for women in the mining
sector.
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Acknowledgements
The researchers thank the Mine Health and Safety Council (MHSC) for funding this project,
technical guidance and support from the Chief Research and Operations Officer, Mr Navin Singh.
Special thanks to the mining companies and women in mining who participated in this project.
The researchers also acknowledge the contributions of Mrs Armelia Chaponda and Professors GA
Ogunbanjo and T Mgutshini for their expertise in constructive review and editing of this draft final
report and Mrs EC Coetzer for formatting the report.
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