The Minerals Council South Africa has reiterated the implications of the Amended Guideline for the compilation of a mandatory code of practice (COP), which was first published in July 2023.

The guideline provides guidance to the mining sector employer on how to compile a mandatory COP, which would assist employers in providing suitable personal protective equipment (PPE) for women in mining (WiM) where required, and to train all employees on issues relating to PPE for WiM.

Key considerations for a mandatory COP include the appointment of a drafting committee; consulting employees and a health and safety committee.

It also requires that the employer identify hazards and assess health and safety risks, as well as address how significant risks identified in assessments will be mitigated.

The council explains that the structures of a COP must be representative of technical, professional and managerial demographics, including underground and above-ground staff, and plant or engineering departments.

It adds that a monitoring system on PPE effectiveness must be implemented and maintained, adding that female employees are responsible for complying with any safe system of work provided and taking care of PPE supplied.

Additionally, the COP should set out measures to ensure suitable PPE for WiM is selected and provided, and that this PPE is properly maintained.

Measures should include identifying all areas in which PPE for WiM may be required, and identifying the types of PPE for WiM which would provide suitable protection against the identified hazards, including undergarments.

Moreover, the COP must set out measures to ensure that WiM are properly trained in the use of the PPE provided to them.

The Minerals Council explains that the employer must prepare an implementation plan for its COP that makes provision for issues such as organisational structures, responsibilities of functionaries, and programmes and schedules for the COP.

“Remember, employers must implement measures for auditing, monitoring and ensuring compliance with the COP.

“Additionally, a copy of the code must be provided to any WiM structures, a registered trade union with members at the mine, or a health and safety representative on the mine, or if there is no health and safety representative, an employee representing the employees on the mine.”