Mine Health and Safety Act, 1996 (Act No. 29 of 1996)

Notices, Guidance Notes, Compilation Guidelines

Guidance Note for the Prevention and Management of Non-Communicable Diseases and Mental Health Disorders in the South African Mining Industry

Part A: The Guidance Note

7. Background
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7.1 The South African mining industry has been reporting on NCDs and mental health disorders since 2019. The DMPR has been analysing data and continually monitor and formulate trends. There has been a significant increase in the number of NCDs in the South African mining industry since then and it has become imperative that a guidance note be developed to guide the employer on the prevention and management of NCDs and mental health disorders.

 

7.2 The primary aim is to prevent the development of NCDs and mental health disorders as far as possible, to protect and promote the health of employees. However, since these disorders are as a result of multiple factors, some of which are not modifiable, other levels of prevention should be prioritised to reduce its negative impact on the health of employees. Support should also be provided to those employees living with NCDs and mental health disorders.

 

7.3 This guidance note supports the UN’s SDG Target 3.4 of 2018 on NCDs and mental health, which states that: By 2030, reduce by one third premature mortality from NCDs through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being.

 

7.4 The guidance note further supports the implementation of the 2024 Milestones on NCDs and mental health as follows:

 

Mental health awareness in South African mining industry

OBJECTIVE

2024 MILESTONE

Promotion and support of mental health of employees in the South African mining industry.
•95% of employees should be screened annually for mental health.
•100% of screened employees with mental health challenges to be linked to care (this includes in-house or referral) annually.

NCDs awareness in the South African mining industry

Prevention and management of NCDs in the South African mining industry.
•100% of employees presenting during medical surveillance programme should be screened for NCD metabolic risk factors.