Ergonomics in the South African mining industry

The International Ergonomics Association defines ergonomics as: ‘the scientific discipline concerned with the understanding of interactions among humans and other elements of a system, and the profession that applies theory, principles, data and methods to design in order to optimize human well-being and overall system performance’. From a practical point of view, ergonomics is the science and practice of designing systems to fit people. Ergonomists contribute to the design and evaluation of equipment, workstations and work environments so that the tasks required of humans are within their limitations, but also so that the best use is made of their capabilities. The application of sound ergonomics principles in the design of the human-machine interface will minimize design-induced human error, and also eliminate significant occupational health and safety risks. In the workplace, the application of ergonomics aims to promote the health, efficiency and well-being of workers. ‘Ergonomics’ is not a new concept in the South African mining industry. The Mine Health and Safety Act (Act 29 of 1996) makes specific reference to ergonomics. Section 21(1)(c) of the Act states that: any person who designs, manufactures, erects or installs any article for use at a mine must ensure, as far as reasonably practicable, that ergonomic principles are considered and implemented during design, manufacture, erection or installation. In an industry-wide risk assessment conducted under the auspices of the Safety in Mines Research Advisory Committee (SIMRAC) in 1997, it was pointed out that poor ergonomics design and the lack of a strategy for introducing ergonomics into the South African mining industry were major contributing factors to the development of work-related injury and disease1. A lack of ergonomics research in the local mining industry was also identified as a major shortcoming and contributing factor2. In the same project, poor ergonomics that contribute to hearing loss, and the health risks involved in bio-mechanical factors, vibration and heat stress, were highlighted3. For the major part of the previous century, research in the field of ergonomics primarily focused on the capabilities and limitations of individuals to perform physical work in conditions typical of gold mining, and the design of selection criteria to assess fitness for work based on an individual’s physical attributes. In the latter part of the century the emphasis shifted towards research into the ergonomics of trackless vehicles, locomotives, mining machinery, work-related musculoskeletal disorders, operator fatigue, Ergonomics in the South African mining industry