• Report year:2025
  • Report author: C J Badenhorst
  • Organisation: SAIMM
Occupational health and safety (OHS) for women in hard rock mining requires addressing unique challenges such as the need for properly fitting PPE, reproductive health hazards from dust and chemicals, physical demands of the job, and lack of inclusive work environments with proper support for pregnant and nursing workers. Key considerations include developing gender-specific PPE, implementing gender-sensitive risk assessments, establishing clear protocols for reproductive health risks, providing suitable facilities for pregnant and nursing mothers, and ensuring zero-tolerance policies for harassment and discrimination to foster a safer and more equitable working environment.