Health and safety impacts of socioeconomic conditions and other matters relating to living conditions in the South African mining industry

The aim of this study was to examine the impact of socioeconomic and living conditions on the health and safety of mine workers in the South African mining industry (SAMI). Qualitative and quantitative data were gathered at two gold, three platinum, one coal, one diamond and one manganese mine. Qualitative data were collected in 53 interviews with mine management, 11 interviews with labour representatives, and 14 focus groups with mine workers at these mines. Quantitative data were obtained through questionnaires that were completed by 875 mine workers. An understanding of the concerns related to socioeconomic conditions, living conditions, and health and safety was obtained, along with the perceived associations between these, and potential recommendations for interventions. The quantitative data provided information regarding the living conditions, income, lifestyle, health, safety and wellness of the mine workers, as well as associations among these variables.