Occupational noise-Induced hearing loss among underground coal miners in South Africa: Risk factors and prevention strategies

Title : Occupational noise-Induced hearing loss among underground coal miners in South Africa: Risk factors and prevention strategies

Abstract:

Background: Occupational noise-induced hearing loss (ONIHL) remains the third most commonly reported occupational disease in South Africa's mining sector. Despite existing regulations mandating exposure limits of 85 dBA over 8-hour periods and comprehensive hearing conservation programmes, ONIHL continues to affect underground coal miners at alarming rates.
Objective: This study identified risk factors contributing to ONIHL among underground coal miners in a Free State mine and evaluated the effectiveness of current prevention strategies.
Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among 94 underground coal miners using a structured self-administered questionnaire in English and Sesotho. Participants were drawn from five occupational categories: general labourers, roof bolt operators, mechanical fitters, safety officers, and supervisors. Chi-square tests and binary logistic regression analysis assessed associations between demographic characteristics, workplace activities, occupational health and safety knowledge, and hearing health outcomes.

Biography:

Professor Martha Chadyiwa is Associate Professor of Public Health at Sefako Makgatho Health Science University, with expertise in Environmental and Occupational Health. She holds an MBA from Twente University, PhD from University of the Witwatersrand, and B.Ed Honors from University of Johannesburg. Previously Head of Department at University of Johannesburg (2012-2017), she developed the MPH curriculum and pioneered an innovative MPH chatbot. She served as Vice-Chair of U21 Sustainable Development Goals committee (2019-2024) and has published extensively in high-impact journals. Named among South Africa's InspiringFifty women in STEM (2021) and recipient of multiple prestigious awards, she has supervised over 30 Masters students to completion.