Occupational hygiene focuses on the anticipation, recognition, evaluation and control of mine conditions that may cause illness or adverse health. Occupational hazards include those that are chemical, physical, mechanical, biological and psychological.

One of the integral provisions of the Mine Health and Safety Act, 1996 ( Act 29 of 1996) is to protect the workers in the mining industry from the adverse health effects of being exposed to occupational health hazards such as dusts, fibres, chemicals, noise, thermal stresses and radiation. Regulation 9.2(2) of the Mine Health and Safety Act, 1996 (Act 29 of 1996) read with Section 12 of the same Act, requires the employer to establish, maintain, and record Occupational Hygiene Measurements.

South African Mines Occupational Hygiene Programme

* NOTE: This information is currently under review by the Mine Health and Safety Inspectorate