The Department of Employment and Labor says eliminating silicosis in non-mining sectors remains a key priority as the government works towards eliminating the occupational disease by 2030.

The department's acting deputy director-general of labor policy and industrial relations, Thembinkosi Mkalipi, said South Africa, as a member of the international community and the International Labor Organization (ILO), has an obligation to reduce workers' exposure to the disease.

Makalipi warned that available research shows increasing cases of silicosis and stressed that the government is focusing on areas where workers are vulnerable.

He was speaking during a seminar held at Kempton Park on Tuesday to mark the release of the findings of a benchmark study on silicosis in non-mining areas.

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Silicosis is an irreversible and progressive occupational lung disease caused by exposure to crystalline silica dust. The disease causes inflammation, permanent scarring of the lungs, and severe difficulty breathing. While treatment may include medication and avoiding further exposure, the condition is often fatal.

Workers in sectors such as construction, mining and stonemasons are considered the most vulnerable.

To determine the prevalence of silicosis in non-mining industries, the Department commissioned research by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), the National Institute of Occupational Health (NIOH), the University of the Witwatersrand and the Wits Health Consortium.

The study analyzed the prevalence of silicosis in industries between 2012 and 2018 and examined trends in deaths from silica-related diseases over the same period. It also sought to develop occupational health strategies and programs to reduce exposure to respirable silica dust and support the elimination of silicosis in South Africa by 2030.

Nisha Naicker, head of epidemiology and surveillance at the National Institute for Occupational Health, said the project was structured into three work packages.

“The first work package focused on prevalence assessment, the second on priority setting and guiding the implementation of elimination strategies and the third on developing a toolbox of tools and methods for silicosis elimination,” Naicker said.

The main findings of the first phase of the research revealed that 225 workers participated in the study, most of whom had more than 10 years of work experience.

Most of the participants were from the brick making sector (40%), followed by construction (34%). The age of the participants ranged from 24 to 65 years, with the average age being 45 years.

The study also found that 81.78% of participants were male and workers with more than 10 years of experience had an average of 20 years in their respective fields.

No participants reported a prior diagnosis of silicosis. However, screening revealed that 12.44% showed symptoms of tuberculosis.

Chest X-ray examinations identified one case of silicosis, representing a prevalence rate of 0.5%. The affected employee, a 45-year-old crusher operator with 15 years of experience in the mineral processing sector, is currently receiving medical care.

Warren Mallon, deputy director in the department's inspection and enforcement services branch, stressed that protecting the safety and health of workers is a fundamental right.

He said occupational accidents, injuries and diseases have significant human, social and economic costs, reaffirming the Department's commitment to eliminating the risk of silicosis.

“The department's national program for the elimination of silicosis was launched in 2004,” Malone said, adding that the program includes training inspectors and requiring employers to report on workers' exposure levels.

He said South Africa is on track to eliminate silicosis by 2030 in line with ILO obligations, while the Department's Occupational Health and Safety Strategy 2024-2029 aims to achieve zero injuries and occupational diseases.