Eye Safety Practices and Knowledge of Occupational Hazards Among Workers in Selected Quarry Mines in Limpopo Province, South Africa ^†

Background: Quarry mining is an important contributor in the greater context of economic growth in many developing countries, including South Africa. Having considered the importance of this mining activity, it is imperative for miners to use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) to avoid unnecessary cases of avoidable visual impairment and possible blindness. Objectives: This study sought to determine the extent to which eye safety practices were considered by the mine workers, as well as their knowledge of occupational hazards associated with the quarrying process in the two selected mines in Limpopo Province, South Africa. Methods: A descriptive quantitative research design approach was adopted to solicit data from the participants included in the study. Purposive sampling was considered the most appropriate method to enumerate 133 participants. Results: Although about 60% of the participants considered eye safety practices by using appropriate PPE, at least 10% reported never using any protection at all. The relationship between the age of the workers and awareness of safety measures was statistically significant (x² = 86.34, p = 0.001). The level of education was also a significant factor of awareness of safety measures (x² = 18.99, p = 0.001). Participants who were injured in the last month were statistically associated with quarry mining hazards (p < 0.024). Also, the study revealed the prevalence of the following conditions: pterygium (13%); pinguecula (7%); corneal abrasions (8%); and color perception problems (8%), among other findings. Poor participation by employees in safety drills, awareness campaigns, or compliance were considered to be possible impediments in the implementation of general safety practices. Conclusions: The more experienced employees and those with a higher level of education had the propensity to consider eye protective practices while being engaged in mining operations. This shows that there is a need for ensuring that all new and younger employees are taken through safety precautions before the commencement of duty. Furthermore, continuous capacitation and enforcement drills should be considered to avoid complacency, which may lead to unwarranted cases of avoidable visual impairment and blindness.