How Back to Basics Has Your Back
Worker health and well-being are critical factors in South Africa’s mining industry, with several regulations in place to control and ensure safety, productivity, and compliance. The Guideline for the Compilation of a Mandatory Code of Practice on Minimum Standards of Fitness to Perform Work at a Mine (DMR 16/3/2/3-A3) was designed to assist mine employers in increasing health standards and mitigating risks in hazardous working environments. However, recent health statistics reveal that obesity and poor nutrition are becoming increasingly common amongst miners, which contribute to fatigue, lower productivity and increased safety risks. Let’s find out how to address these concerns while aligning with the required guidelines.
The Health Crisis in SA Mining
Before we go about finding solutions, let’s understand the problem at hand. According to the Global Journal of Health Science (2017), close to 54% of South Africans suffer from obesity, with miners reflecting these trends. Furthermore, at least 50% of mining and industry workers in South Africa have a BMI (Body Mass Index) greater than 25, classifying them as overweight, or greater than 30, classified as obese.
Due to the nature of mining work (strenuous activity, high heat, etc.), obesity has a specifically adverse impact on miners’ tolerance, mobility, reasoning and general health. For instance, workers with a BMI of >35 or weight >130kg require referral to an OMP (Occupational Medical Practitioner) for risk assessment. Poor nutrition, characterised by a high-sugar, high-carb and low-fibre diet (e.g. pap, bread, sugary drinks), can additionally lead to energy crashes, dehydration, high blood pressure and high blood sugar, among others. In turn, this leads to reduced awareness, a higher likelihood of accidents, absenteeism, lower morale, and a higher likelihood of preventable diseases such as diabetes.
South African Mining Guidelines
The Minimum Standards of Fitness guidelines, mentioned above, mandates a risk-based surveillance system to ensure that workers are fit for strenuous tasks. The surveillance system includes regular BMI assessments, cardiovascular screenings, and heat tolerance tests, particularly for employees exposed to wet bulb temperatures above 27.5°C. The document also requires employers to address chronic conditions, such as obesity and diabetes, as these can significantly impact and potentially disqualify employees from roles involving the operation of heavy machinery.
The guideline plays a large role in encouraging employees to implement policies that support and uphold optimal worker placement and health management, ensuring compliance with the Mine Health and Safety Act.
Back to Basics – Nutrition: Presenting a Solution
Our range of Fatigue Management Packs, designed by experienced dieticians, offers a targeted solution to tackle the challenges of obesity, high BMI and fatigue through correct nutrition. These packs are designed to address the dietary deficiencies common among shift workers, providing balanced, nutrient-dense options that sustain energy, reduce fatigue, and support overall health. In doing so, Back to Basics – Nutrition helps companies align with the DMRE guidelines, thus avoiding disqualification and potential fines or legal action against the employing company.
When consumed daily for eight weeks, our packs significantly reduce body fat percentage, decrease body weight and increase muscle mass in overweight or obese shift workers. Packed with low-GI carbohydrates, fibre, electrolytes and >100% of the Nutrient Reference Value (NRV) for immune-boosting vitamins and minerals, the fatigue management packs stabilise blood glucose levels, improve hydration and promote gut and heart health, which are key in preventing fatigue-related accidents.
Interested in finding out more? Take a look at our fatigue management strategy. Back to Basics – Nutrition provides expert nutrition education and employee wellness services, empowering workers to make healthier choices.