While I was extremely pleased to read that the protracted silicosis case may be soon settled, I feel that the estimate that only 100,000 former mineworkers suffer from this awful disease is far too conservative, if not optimistic. The number is far larger, especially when factoring in the surviving partners and children of mineworkers who have already died. The mining houses have been aware of the root causes of silicosis, had it within their power to reduce its prevalence and, for the most part, chose not to do so. There is anecdotal evidence of workers being made to return to blasting sites before the legislated time lapse; not being given rock drill equipment, which reduces the number of silica dust particles during drilling; and workers being forced back underground while still on pulmonary Tuberculosis treatment. No mine manager will supply to mine medical officers the actual dust readings in the workplace and, again, there is anecdotal evidence that these findings have been do...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.