TB Review Tool implementation in South African mining Industry 2010

Introduction
TB management in the South African mining industry context is guided by both the national Tb Controll Guideline and the DMR TB Guidance Note. The Guidance note outlines the requirement for annual reviews of mining industry TB programmes and the external reviews every five years. The review tool was develobed through a research project and approved by the Mine Health and Safety Council.

Methods
The Health policy committee of the Chamber of Mines decide in 2010 to implement the toool among its members. All Chamber members agreed to participate. The sample consisted of all members that have implemented TB programmes.These companies represent 258 848 employees and 91 938 contractors, and included the biggest gold mines, major platinum and coal companies. Data collected was verified on site by the lead auditing team.

Results
various weaknesses were identified that included the abscence of treatment policies for contractor employees. Some strength on ifection control procedues and DOTS implementation were identified.

Discussion
The most cvritical weakness identified was about the management of TB Registers and The Health Policy Committee decided as a way forward to roll out the TB Register Workshops to themember companies. The external Reviews are planned for 2012.