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Excess Mortality Due to External Causes in Women in the South African Mining Industry: 2013–2015

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  • Kerry S. Wilson

    (Epidemiology and Surveillance Section, National Institute for Occupational Health, 25 Hospital St, Constitution Hill, Johannesburg 2000, South Africa
    School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, 9 York Rd, Parktown, Johannesburg 2193, South Africa)

  • Tahira Kootbodien

    (Epidemiology and Surveillance Section, National Institute for Occupational Health, 25 Hospital St, Constitution Hill, Johannesburg 2000, South Africa)

  • Nisha Naicker

    (Epidemiology and Surveillance Section, National Institute for Occupational Health, 25 Hospital St, Constitution Hill, Johannesburg 2000, South Africa
    School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, 9 York Rd, Parktown, Johannesburg 2193, South Africa
    Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Johannesburg, PO Box 524, Auckland Park 2006, South Africa)

Abstract

Mining is a recognized high-risk industry with a relatively high occurrence of occupational injuries and disease. In this study, we looked at the differences in mortality between male and female miners in South Africa. Data from Statistics South Africa regarding occupation and cause of death in the combined years 2013–2015 were analyzed. Proportional mortality ratios (PMRs) were calculated to investigate excess mortality due to external causes of death by sex in miners and in manufacturing laborers. Results: Women miners died at a significantly younger age on average (44 years) than all women (60 years), women manufacturers (53 years), and male miners (55 yrs). There was a significantly increased proportion of deaths due to external causes in women miners (12.4%) compared to all women (4.8%) and women manufacturers (4.6%). Significantly increased PMRs were seen in car occupant accidents (467, 95% confidence interval (CI) 151–1447), firearm discharge (464, 95% CI 220–974), and contact with blunt objects (2220 95% CI 833–5915). Conclusion: This descriptive study showed excess deaths in women miners due to external causes. Road accidents, firearm discharge, and contact with blunt objects PMRs were significantly increased. Further research is required to confirm the underlying reasons for external causes of death and to develop recommendations to protect women miners.

Suggested Citation

  • Kerry S. Wilson & Tahira Kootbodien & Nisha Naicker, 2020. "Excess Mortality Due to External Causes in Women in the South African Mining Industry: 2013–2015," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(6), pages 1-12, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:17:y:2020:i:6:p:1875-:d:332274
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Stuckler, D. & Basu, S. & McKee, M. & Lurie, M., 2011. "Mining and risk of tuberculosis in sub-saharan Africa," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 101(3), pages 524-530.
    2. Samuel Preston & Haidong Wang, 2006. "Sex mortality differences in The United States: The role of cohort smoking patterns," Demography, Springer;Population Association of America (PAA), vol. 43(4), pages 631-646, November.
    3. Megan S C Lim & Jill Murray & Robert J Dowdeswell & Judith R Glynn & Pam Sonnenberg, 2011. "Unnatural Deaths in South African Platinum Miners, 1992–2008," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 6(9), pages 1-6, September.
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    Cited by:

    1. Muhirwa, Fabien & Shen, Lei & Elshkaki, Ayman & Hirwa, Hubert & Umuziranenge, Gloriose & Velempini, Kgosietsile, 2023. "Linking large extractive industries to sustainable development of rural communities at mining sites in Africa: Challenges and pathways," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 81(C).

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