DMR issues guidance note for management and control programme for tuberculosis in the South African mining industry

Written by Selvan Subroyen

(Health And Safety Department)

On 17 August 2018, the Acting Chief Inspector of Mines under the auspices of the Department of Mineral Resources (“DMR”) issued a guidance note for the management and control programme for TB in the South African mining industry.

The rationale for the issuance of this guidance note is intended to bolster the National TB Management Guideline published by the Department of National Health (“NDOH”). The DMR recognizes that whilst TB management falls within the realm of the NDOH, the mining industry has played a pivotal role in addressing TB and actively supporting its management.

This guidance note is aimed at ensuring that the implementation of inferior practices in current TB management programmes are prevented and mining houses are not legally exposed for negligence.

The guideline sets out the components of a TB control programme which focuses on passive and active TB case finding; diagnosis; treatment; fitness to perform work; case monitoring; treatment outcomes; treatment follow up; reporting and monitoring and training.

Mining companies are urged to incorporate this guidance note into their TB management policy and to revise their current TB management programmes in line with this guidance note.

For more information on the guidance note please contact Inlexso at:

Email: selvan.subroyen@eoh.co.za
Tel: 012 307 3070
Cell: 082 927 2185
Fax: 012 307 5857