Benchmark study reveals hidden risks in construction and manufacturing
South Africa's Department of Employment and Labour has reaffirmed its commitment to stamping out silicosis in non-mining industries, with the deadly lung disease remaining a central focus as the country pushes towards its 2030 elimination target.
Acting Deputy Director-General for Labour Policy and Industrial Relations, Thembinkosi Mkalipi, underscored that the country bears a responsibility as a signatory to International Labour Organization commitments to curb worker exposure to crystalline silica dust. He cautioned that research data points to a troubling rise in silicosis cases and that efforts are being concentrated on industries where employees face the greatest danger.
Mkalipi was addressing delegates at a seminar in Kempton Park on Tuesday, convened to present findings from a landmark investigation into silicosis prevalence outside the mining sector. The research was jointly undertaken by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, the National Institute for Occupational Health, the University of the Witwatersrand and the Wits Health Consortium.
Silicosis is a chronic, irreversible lung condition triggered by prolonged inhalation of fine silica particles. It causes progressive scarring of lung tissue, severe respiratory impairment and is frequently fatal. Although medication and removal from exposure can slow progression, there is no cure. Workers in construction, stone fabrication and related trades are particularly at risk.
"The first work package focused on prevalence assessment, the second on guiding prioritisation and implementation of elimination strategies, and the third on developing a toolbox of tools and methods for silicosis elimination."
That explanation came from Nisha Naicker, Head of Epidemiology and Surveillance at the National Institute for Occupational Health, who outlined the three-pronged structure of the investigation. The study examined silicosis trends across industries between 2012 and 2018, analysing both disease prevalence and deaths linked to silica exposure.
Research findings highlight gaps in diagnosis and reporting
A total of 225 workers took part in the study, the majority boasting more than a decade of experience in their fields. Brick-making employees comprised 40% of participants, with construction workers accounting for 34%. Ages ranged from 24 to 65, averaging 45 years, and 81.78% were male. Workers with over 10 years on the job had spent an average of two decades in their respective sectors. Notably, not a single participant had previously been diagnosed with silicosis, yet screening revealed that 12.44% displayed symptoms consistent with tuberculosis. Chest X-rays identified one confirmed silicosis case — a 45-year-old crusher operator in mineral processing with 15 years of service — representing a prevalence rate of 0.5%. The individual is now receiving medical treatment.
Deputy Director in the Department's Inspection and Enforcement Services branch, Warren Mallon, stressed that protecting worker health and safety constitutes a fundamental right. He noted that workplace accidents, injuries and occupational diseases impose substantial human, social and economic burdens.
"The department's National Programme for the Elimination of Silicosis was initiated in 2004."
Mallon added that the programme encompasses inspector training and compels employers to submit reports on worker exposure levels. He confirmed that the country remains on course to meet its 2030 silicosis elimination goal in accordance with ILO obligations, while the Department's Occupational Health and Safety Strategy 2024–2029 pursues zero workplace injuries and occupational diseases.
The investigation concluded that no single dependable method currently exists for gathering nationwide silicosis data. Researchers called for stronger diagnostic protocols, improved reporting under the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act and the Occupational Health and Safety Act, the creation of a national silicosis register, analysis of medical aid databases and targeted industry surveys. David Rees of the University of the Witwatersrand, who led the third component of the study, reported that silica exposure assessments were conducted at 11 companies across sectors including construction, artificial stone manufacturing, brick production and pottery. The results confirmed that workers faced silicosis risk in every sector examined, with the sole exception of roof tile manufacturing.
