NO MORE SKIRTING AROUND WIM HEALTH AND SAFETY CONCERNS
CIVIL ENGINEERING SECTOR – CRUCIAL ROLE OF DISPUTE RESOLUTION
• AFRICAN BUZZ
NO MORE SKIRTING AROUND WIM HEALTH AND SAFETY CONCERNS
By Kate Collier , partner at Webber Wentzel
On 28 July 2023 , the chief inspector of Mines introduced a new “ Guideline for a Mandatory Code of Practice ( COP ) for the Selection and Provision of Personal Protective Equipment ( PPE ) for Women in the South African Mining Industry ( 2023 Guideline )”. While the 2023 Guideline retains the core elements of the version first
Kate Collier , partner at Webber Wentzel .
published in 2015 under section 49 ( 6 ) of the Mine Health and Safety Act ( MHSA ), the new guideline seeks to address the very real body issues faced by women in mining ( WIM ). In previously male-centric work environments , the impact that PPE has on menstrual health as well as women ' s dignity is a much-skirted topic .
The 2023 Guideline recognises the importance of addressing women ' s unique health and safety concerns around work attire , particularly ill-fitting PPE designed for male proportions , which can impact their comfort , mobility and well-being in the mining industry .
The objective of the guideline is to provide a framework within which all South African mines must compile and implement a mandatory code of practice addressing the provision of PPE for WIM . It should take into account the unique health and safety concerns faced by women in various work roles , from underground miners to engineers and managers . The 2023 Guideline expands the scope beyond the provision of PPE and now provides guidelines on the selection of PPE as well .
The 2023 Guideline introduces an important emphasis on the establishment of WIM structures at mine sites . These structures must reflect technical , professional and managerial demographics , ensuring that women in various roles are included . This will foster a more inclusive approach to addressing gender-related issues related to occupational health and safety and PPE .
A significant addition in the 2023 Guideline is a summary of the SIMRAC Research Project SIM 10 09 04 , which identified safety concerns related to PPE use for WIM . The research project revealed that female mineworkers have often encountered challenges related to using the bathroom or changing their sanitary products while wearing standard issue PPE . Ill-fitting PPE , such as overalls designed to male proportions , can be cumbersome to remove , making it difficult for women to address their sanitary needs . The research project found that this resulted in many women avoiding going to the bathroom or drinking water while on site . The health risks associated with dehydration ( especially in highheat environments ), ignoring the urge to urinate , and prolonged gaps between changing sanitary products can drastically affect the health , safety and comfort of WIM .
Building on the findings of the SIMRAC research , the 2023 Guideline emphasises the need for greater consultation with female employees before selecting and procuring PPE to ensure that the selected protective equipment is suitable for WIM , considering their anatomical and physiological attributes . For example , it may be appropriate to give women the option to wear a two-piece overall ,
Supplied by Webber Wentzel
depending on the working environment . There is also a possible link between certain types of PPE used by women and an increased vulnerability to skin conditions such as contact dermatitis , chafing , rashes and infections . The research highlighted the health and safety risks associated with the coping mechanisms that women developed in response to wearing ill-fitting PPE designed and sized for men , such as lesions from wearing thick woollen socks to improve the fit of large safety boots .
The SIMRAC research places significant emphasis on the need for adequate sanitary amenities at mine sites . Historically , mining facilities lacked separate toilet facilities for women . However , the increased presence of women in mining has highlighted the importance of dedicated and private female toilets , not only to attend to women ’ s sanitary needs but also to guard against genderbased harassment and associated safety concerns .
The updated guideline recommends providing additional separate toilets per work section to ensure privacy , protection and dignity for female mineworkers . Such toilets should be equipped with sanitary bins that are regularly emptied to dispose of sanitary products . Proper waste management in these facilities ensures hygiene and reduces health risks for WIM . In addition , facilities should be equipped with toilet paper and hand washing facilities . Access to clean water is crucial in reducing the risk of infections , particularly for those who are menstruating . Well-lit areas surrounding toilets ensure safety for women users , especially during night shifts or in underground environments .
To improve the provision of appropriate PPE for WIM , the 2023 Guideline advocates an approach towards selecting and providing PPE that considers ergonomics and comfort , taking into account the dimensions and individual attributes of female workers . A woman ' s body should not be a barrier to her career in mining . Sourcing PPE from manufacturers and suppliers that accommodate the broad range of sizes and designs that better suit the female anatomy is best done in consultation with WIM .
Employers in the mining sector should review their COP for the provision of PPE for women to update it with the more detailed framework provided in the 2023 Guideline . By addressing the challenges identified during the implementation of the 2015 Guideline , this updated version represents a positive step towards progress and gender equality in the industry , fostering a safer and more inclusive work environment for WIM .
CIVIL ENGINEERING SECTOR – CRUCIAL ROLE OF DISPUTE RESOLUTION
In the field of civil engineering , it is of utmost importance to uphold equity and stability . To accomplish this goal , efficient conflict resolution is essential , and this is where the Bargaining Council for the Civil Engineering Industry ( BCCEI ) plays a crucial part in this industry . The BCCEI ' s Dispute Resolution Centre plays a central role in handling disputes specific to the industry and is accredited by the Commission for Conciliation , Mediation , and Arbitration ( CCMA ).
Merle Denson , the Dispute Resolution Centre manager at the BCCEI , stresses that dispute resolution is not only a means to solve conflicts but also a vital aspect of good business management . “ It prevents conflicts from escalating , saving both time and money , and additionally , it offers an alternative to costly court proceedings ,” she says .
4 • African Mining • March 2024 www . africanmining . co . za