Exploring Occupational Health and Safety Standards Compliance in the South African Mining Industry, Limpopo Province, Using Principal Component Analysis

Livhuwani Muthelo (), Tebogo Maria Mothiba, Nancy Rambelani Malema, Masenyani Oupa Mbombi and Peter Modupi Mphekgwana
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Livhuwani Muthelo: Department of Nursing Science, University of Limpopo, Mankweng 0727, South Africa
Tebogo Maria Mothiba: Faculty of Health Science, University of Limpopo, Mankweng 0727, South Africa
Nancy Rambelani Malema: Department of Nursing Science, University of Limpopo, Mankweng 0727, South Africa
Masenyani Oupa Mbombi: Department of Nursing Science, University of Limpopo, Mankweng 0727, South Africa
Peter Modupi Mphekgwana: Department of Research Administration and Development, University of Limpopo, Mankweng 0727, South Africa

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 16, 1-16

Abstract: The health and safety of the miners in the South African mining industry are guided by the regulations and standards applied to promote a healthy work environment. The miners must comply with these regulations/standards to protect themselves from potential occupational health and safety risks, accidents, and fatalities. The status of compliance to safety regulations and standards in the mining industry of Limpopo Province has received little attention from scholars. This study explores the practices related to occupational health and safety standards compliance in the mining industry. A total of 277 miners were randomly selected from 1300 respondents in the mining industry. Data were collected using a 31-item survey questionnaire, administered to miners to explore occupational health and safety standards compliance from December 2019 to May 2020. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) extracted key attributes of occupational health and safety standards compliance in the mining industry and uncovered relationships between different dimensions. The study revealed that seven factors could measure occupational health and safety standards practices. It was observed that Factor 1 (occupational health practice related to regulations) is correlated with Factor 2 (measures to reduce risk of injuries/accidents). Additionally, Factor 2 (measures to minimise the risk of injuries/accidents) is correlated with Factor 4 (impact of the environment and production). There is a correlation between non-compliance with the safety regulations and the occurrence of injuries and accidents.

Keywords: health and safety; legislation; standards; miners (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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