Abstract
Orientation: Despite various liberalisation and feminisation processes with regard to gender and sex roles, traditionalistic typologies, especially in terms of occupational roles, are seemingly very reluctant to disappear from relevant theoretical discourses, as well as in practice. One of the main issues remains the terrain of physical work. Although women all over the world have been involved in mining activities for centuries, the mining industry has not been an obvious career choice for women. In South Africa, new mining legislation aims to rectify previous inequalities and disadvantages in the mining sector and specifically provides for the inclusion of women in core mining activities. Although well intended, women’s involvement in the core business of mining also exposes them to the various hazards related to mine work.Research purpose: This research determined perceptions regarding the health and safety of women working in core mining positions.Motivation for the study: Currently there is a paucity of published data regarding health and safety challenges pertaining to women employed in the core business of mining.Method: Quantitative and qualitative research paradigms were used (mixed method research design). Quantitative data were collected by means of a structured questionnaire. Qualitative data were collected by means of individual interviews and group interviews.Main findings: From the literature review and the empirical findings it is evident that various factors (physical work capacity, anthropometry and body composition, personal protective equipment, treatment during pregnancy and security measures) need to be considered to ensure the health and safety of women employed in core mining positions.Practical/managerial implications: It is evident from the research that exceptional attention should be given to the promotion of the health and safety of women working in the core business of mines to sustain their involvement in the mining sector.Contribution: Practical recommendations are made to address health and safety concerns of women employed in core mining activities. These can be implemented and used by various stakeholders in the mining sector.
Highlights
Introduction and problem statement women all over the world have been involved in mining activities for centuries, mining has been considered a very masculine industry due to its heavily male-dominated workforce as well as the physicality of mine work
Main findings: From the literature review and the empirical findings it is evident that various factors need to be considered to ensure the health and safety of women employed in core mining positions
Practical/managerial implications: It is evident from the research that exceptional attention should be given to the promotion of the health and safety of women working in the core business of mines to sustain their involvement in the mining sector
Summary
Women all over the world have been involved in mining activities for centuries, mining has been considered a very masculine industry due to its heavily male-dominated workforce as well as the physicality of mine work. The heavily manual character of mine work together with the dirt and risk associated with mine work makes the male miner the typical labourer In South Africa, the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act (No 28 of RSA, 2002) (MPRDA) and the accompanied Broad-based Socio-economic Empowerment Charter for the South African Mining Industry (RSA, 2004) aim to rectify previous inequalities and disadvantages in the mining sector and provide for the inclusion of women in core mining activities. According to research conducted by the MSA Group, specialist consultants to the mining industry, approximately 11% of the South African mining industry’s workforce, which includes non-core services, is represented by women (Hancock, 2014). According to research conducted by the MSA Group, specialist consultants to the mining industry, approximately 11% of the South African mining industry’s workforce, which includes non-core services, is represented by women (Hancock, 2014). Eftimie, Heller and Strongman (2009, p. 9) postulate that it is worldwide extremely rare to find any extractive industry companies with higher than 10% female employment, with many having less than 5%
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