NEBOSH has invested £80,000 in a project to tackle one of the world's most dangerous occupations: artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM).
The project – coordinated by the International Occupational Medicine Society Collaborative (IOMSC) and supported by The Society of Occupational Medicine (SOM) – aims to improve the health, safety, livelihoods and wellbeing of people who work and live in these mining communities.
The World Bank estimates that 100 million people work in the sector worldwide, using basic tools to extract minerals and metals, often without proper equipment or safety regulations. Further, because there is little separation between living and working areas, miners and their families are exposed to pollutants and toxic hazards, leading to serious illnesses such as silicosis, tuberculosis, chronic respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, and death.
Professor Dingani Moyo, FRCP; FFOM; MFOM; MOHS; MAppMgnt. President of the Zimbabwe Society of Occupational Medicine (ZISOM) and IOMSC member said: “Uncontrolled mercury use and exposures are a common feature. I have dealt with many ASMs with mercury poisoning who have excessive memory loss, aggressive behaviours, and tremors. There is also a very high burden of silicosis due to poor knowledge, prevention of exposures and lack of adequate and effective respiratory protection. I have seen many young ASMs with very advanced stages of silicosis and the level of suffering is intense in this population”.
Due to the remote and often illegal nature of ASM, the exact number of miners is unknown and likely higher than estimated. Patterns of disease, injury and premature death are also poorly documented. Closing this data gap is crucial for planning and delivering health and safety interventions.
NEBOSH’s investment will fund the first phase of the project, in which occupational medicine society members from Uganda, Zimbabwe, Columbia and Brazil will conduct research to create a clearer picture of the situation. Their findings will feed into a global steering group, which will collectively identify key issues and areas for action.
Andy Shenstone, NEBOSH Chief Executive, added: “By investing in this crucial project, we are helping to lay the groundwork for long-term improvements in the health, safety, and livelihoods of artisanal and small-scale miners. This initiative highlights our dedication to supporting some of the world’s most vulnerable communities.”
The Society of Occupational Medicine (SOM) has also announced today that it has joined the Global Alliance on Health and Pollution (GAHP) as a New Council Member. SOM’s commitment to environmental responsibility closely aligns with GAHP’s mission, as both organisations work towards reducing health risks and promoting sustainable practices globally.
SOM’s decision to join GAHP is driven by a shared goal of addressing pollution and occupational health challenges, particularly through the Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining project. This initiative aligns with SOM’s broader mission to enhance workplace conditions in sectors where pollution poses significant health risks to workers and surrounding communities. SOM intends to leverage its expertise to support GAHP’s initiatives, promoting the exchange of knowledge and best practices that can benefit communities worldwide.
In a statement, SOM emphasised its commitment to creating healthier workplaces for all: “We are thrilled to join GAHP in this vital mission. Every worker deserves a safe environment that minimises health risks and protects the surrounding ecosystem.”