The primary objective of the Medical Inspector is to manage and resolve any disputes arising from a decision or finding by Occupational Medical Practitioners relating to the fitness status of mine employees in the South African mining industry as prescribed in Section 20 (1) (a) of the Mine Health and Safety Act, 1996 (Act 29 of 1996) , as amended.
The Medical Inspector takes into consideration all information available, including:
The final ruling by the Medical Inspector is based on all the facts considered and not only on a singular report, interview or visit.
The Medical Inspector assesses medical records of employees lodging section 20 appeals. To download a copy of the section 20 appeal brochure, please click here.
For more information, contact us at mhsi@dmr.gov.za
Lodging a Section 20 Appeal:
Any employee at a South African mine can lodge a Section 20 appeal with the Medical Inspector with reference to:
For more information, contact us at mhsi@dmr.gov.za .
A Section 20 appeal against unfitness should occur within 30 days after the decision of the Occupational Medical Practitioner that an employee is unfit to perform his/her work.
The employee should complete the Section 20 appeal form (DMR 142). To download a copy of the section 20 appeal form, please click here.
The employee may be assisted by the employee representative and administrative staff at the Mine Health and Safety Inspectorate with the lodging of a Section 20 appeal.
The selected practitioner should assess the employee and submit a report to the Medical Inspector. The employee will not again be referred for assessment by the Department of Mineral Resources.
The final decision on fitness will be done by the Medical Inspector and not the independent practitioner chosen by the employee. The State may select or choose any relevant health practitioner, if necessary, for second opinion assessment.
Matters that are not part of the Section 20 appeal process include:
For matters pertaining to compensation, an employee can contact:
Operating Hours:
07:30 to 16:00, Monday to Friday
Toll Free Number:
086 010 5350
Tel Number(s):
+27(0)12 319 9111/+27(0)12 309 5000
Fax Number(s):
+27(0)12 326 1570 / +27(0)12 357 1772
Street Address:
Compensation House
Cnr Hamilton Street and Soutpansberg Road
Pretoria
Postal Address:
PO Box 955
0001
Email Address:
CF-Complaints@labour.gov.za
cfcallcentre@labour.gov.za
cfenquirie@labour.gov.za
For more information please visit: www.labour.gov.za/DOL/
Section 20 Appeals Brochure
DMR 142: Section 20 Appeal Form