Noise-induced hearing loss has displaced tuberculosis (TB) and silicosis as the top priority health threat in the South African mining industry, an industry seminar heard this week.
“I’m emphasising noise-induced hearing loss because the other diseases have gone down markedly, whereas noise-induced hearing loss has not,” said Minerals Council South Africa health department head Dr Thuthula Balfour at the Investing in African Mining Indaba in Cape Town.
Mining Weekly reports that the lowest number of occupational diseases reported to date was 1 924 in 2021.
Between 2008 and 2021, there was a massive drop – more than 75% – in these diseases, with the biggest fall being in TB and silicosis, and a lesser fall in noise-induced hearing loss, Balfour said.
Of concern are the significant numbers of miners who continue to be exposed to noise levels above 85 decibels, and key interventions to eliminate noise at the source are under way.
Balfour urged companies to stop supplying excessively noisy equipment, as protective earmuffs meant to be shield employees from noise tended to be not worn efficiently, especially during high-humidity and high-temperature conditions.
Specifically highlighted were noisy rock-drills, which are held close to the ear. Through collaborations, products that emit far less noise are starting to emerge.
See more from MedicalBrief archives:
Justice for Miners Campaign: Not enough being done for TB and silicosis compensation claimants
Hearing loss: Burden of proof on employer, not on the employee
Noise in hospitals is hitting deafening levels
Mining industry’s anti-TB campaign cuts occupational disease deaths