Abstract
Background: The South African mining industry is frequently criticized for its poor health and safety record and high numbers of fatalities, thereby prompting researchers to conduct research on challenges faced by this industry. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the feasibility of conducting audiological research into occupational noise induced hearing loss (ONIHL) within the South African mining sector. Specific objectives involved determining ease of identifying focal persons in charge of hearing conservation programmes (HCP); establishing response time and rate of identified focal person for interviews; and exploring focal person’s willingness to share information regarding HCP. Methods: A qualitative research strategy comprising online desk research and interviews was undertaken through purposive sampling to recruit participants. Data were collected through checklists, logbooks and interviews. Deductive thematic analysis was used to analyse data. Results: Gaining access into the mining sector is negatively impacted by the following factors: firstly, contact details of focal person are not always listed on the websites. Secondly, prolonged response rate between initial contact and the time in which the participants respond. Lastly, unwillingness to share information regarding the management of ONIHL and progress made in HCP at various mines. Conclusions: Findings contribute evidence regarding possible barriers to effective and successful implementation of application of best practice in HCPs; guided by evidence that is contextually relevant. Challenges with accessing mines for research purposes by external and independent researchers arguably impacts on the available evidence produced by mines, due to a possible unavoidable conflict of interest. Success of HCPs depend on objective evidence regardless of whether it paints the mining industry in positive or negative light. It is only when this evidence is critically engaged with, that real and effective solutions can be deliberated and implemented. Clear, transparent, and open lines of communication between various stakeholders are key to achieving this.
Highlights
The mining industry in South Africa remains one of the driving forces behind the development of the country’s economy
The South African mining industry is frequently criticized for its poor health and safety record and high numbers of fatalities, these conditions are reported to be improving
Findings from this study highlight the perceived lack of transparency in the management of occupational noise induced hearing loss in the mining sector. This has implications for the mines as these findings suggest that focal persons are not identifiable and their roles are not clearly stated
Summary
The mining industry in South Africa remains one of the driving forces behind the development of the country’s economy. It boasts a total annual income of nearly 550 billion rand It is one of the country’s biggest employers with more than a million personnel in the workforce in mining-related employment, with the majority of the workforce being black males. The South African mining industry is frequently criticized for its poor health and safety record and high numbers of fatalities, these conditions are reported to be improving. The South African mining industry is frequently criticized for its poor health and safety record and high numbers of fatalities, thereby prompting researchers to conduct research on challenges faced by this industry. Success of HCPs depend on objective evidence regardless of whether it paints the mining industry in positive or negative light It is only when this evidence is critically engaged with, that real and effective solutions can be deliberated and implemented. Transparent, and open lines of communication between various stakeholders are key to achieving this
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