Occupational health and safety considerations for women employed in core mining positions

SA Journal of Human Resource Management

 
 
Field Value
 
Title Occupational health and safety considerations for women employed in core mining positions
 
Creator Botha, Doret Cronjé, Freek
 
Subject human resource management; occupational health and safety; sociology of work health and safety; mining industry; sustainable employment; women in mining;
Description Orientation: Despite various liberalisation and feminisation processes with regard to gender and sex roles, traditionalistic typologies, especially in terms of occupational roles, are seemingly very reluctant to disappear from relevant theoretical discourses, as well as in practice. One of the main issues remains the terrain of physical work. Although women all over the world have been involved in mining activities for centuries, the mining industry has not been an obvious career choice for women. In South Africa, new mining legislation aims to rectify previous inequalities and disadvantages in the mining sector and specifically provides for the inclusion of women in core mining activities. Although well intended, women’s involvement in the core business of mining also exposes them to the various hazards related to mine work.Research purpose: This research determined perceptions regarding the health and safety of women working in core mining positions.Motivation for the study: Currently there is a paucity of published data regarding health and safety challenges pertaining to women employed in the core business of mining.Method: Quantitative and qualitative research paradigms were used (mixed method research design). Quantitative data were collected by means of a structured questionnaire. Qualitative data were collected by means of individual interviews and group interviews.Main findings: From the literature review and the empirical findings it is evident that various factors (physical work capacity, anthropometry and body composition, personal protective equipment, treatment during pregnancy and security measures) need to be considered to ensure the health and safety of women employed in core mining positions.Practical/managerial implications: It is evident from the research that exceptional attention should be given to the promotion of the health and safety of women working in the core business of mines to sustain their involvement in the mining sector.Contribution: Practical recommendations are made to address health and safety concerns of women employed in core mining activities. These can be implemented and used by various stakeholders in the mining sector.
 
Publisher AOSIS
 
Contributor
Date 2015-06-02
 
Type info:eu-repo/semantics/article info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion — Mix-method research design - quantitative (questionnaires) and qualitative (semi-structured and group interviews) approach
Format text/html application/octet-stream text/xml application/pdf
Identifier 10.4102/sajhrm.v13i1.652
 
Source SA Journal of Human Resource Management; Vol 13, No 1 (2015); 12 pages 2071-078X 1683-7584
 
Language eng
 
Relation
The following web links (URLs) may trigger a file download or direct you to an alternative webpage to gain access to a publication file format of the published article:

https://sajhrm.co.za/index.php/sajhrm/article/view/652/899 https://sajhrm.co.za/index.php/sajhrm/article/view/652/900 https://sajhrm.co.za/index.php/sajhrm/article/view/652/901 https://sajhrm.co.za/index.php/sajhrm/article/view/652/884
 
Coverage South Africa — Male employees working in core mining activities; female employees working in core mining activities; management of mining companies
Rights Copyright (c) 2015 Doret Botha, Freek Cronjé https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
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