Physical Health and Wellbeing - profile of the present South African mining workforce

Introduction
The mining environment is physically demanding, yet the effect of the physical health and wellbeing of employees , and the “work potential” of an employee versus the “work demands” of his job are inadequately assessed and poorly understood. The anthropometric profile of the present South African(SA) miner has changed over the years.

Methods
The sample comprised one hundred and seven (107 000) data points of in-service SA mine workers. Data used for the purpose of this study includes: age, body mass, body mass index(BMI), waist circumference(WC), heart rate, physical work capacity(PWC) and life-style diseases.

Results
The mean age of the sample was 39years, with average BMI of 23.62 and mean WC of 81cm. 9% of the sample is classified as obese and 21% as underweight.

The mean age of the male sample was 40years, with average BMI of 23.39 and mean WC of 80cm. 8% of the sample is classified as obese and 22% as underweight.

The mean age of the female sample was 30years, with average BMI of 28.37 and mean WC of 87cm. 35% of the sample is classified as obese and 8% as underweight.

Work demands in the work categories of “light work” and “moderate work” on average exceeded the PWC of both male and female employees.

Discussion
The prevalence of health risk factors such as obesity, under-weight and life-style diseases, together with an aging workforce, could result in an increased risk of the PWC of an employee not meeting the work demands of his job, thus putting the employee’s health at risk. While the organisation may not be able to change the demographic profile of personnel, appropriate job placement and wellness programmes encompassing factors such as weight management, nutritional education and support, and physical activity education may help to improve and maintain the work potential of employees.