Abstract
Mining, construction, and manufacturing are among the most hazardous industries globally, with a high rate of occupational injuries and illnesses. In South Africa, the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) and the Mine Health and Safety Act (MHSA) require workers to report health and safety incidents to their employers. However, underreporting is a common phenomenon both globally and locally. Previous research has largely focused on internal workplace-level micro-factors that influence underreporting, with limited attention to broader macro environmental influences. This study aimed to examine whether macro-environmental economic, political and legal, demographic, socio-cultural, and technological factors outside the workplace influence injury or illness reporting practices, and to compare reporting patterns between workers from low- and middle-income groups.
Methods
A cross-sectional sequential mixed-methods design was used. Phase 1 involved convenience sampling of 273 workers from low- and middle-income groups at six mining, construction, and manufacturing companies in Gauteng Province, South Africa, who completed a structured questionnaire. Quantitative data were analysed using SPSS. Content and construct validity were established using Cronbach’s alpha, exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis. Bivariate analysis was conducted for pairs of categorical data, and Pearson’s Chi-square were used to assess associations between macro-environment factors and reporting practices. Univariate and multivariable linear regression analyses (using Ordinary Least Squares) examined how macro-environment and other demographic independent variables influenced reporting practices. Statistical significance was set at 5%.
In Phase 2, Quantitative claims data from Rand Mutual Assurance Company Limited (RMA) and the Federated Employers Mutual Assurance Company (FEMA) highlighted the distribution of injury and illness claims submitted by employers from January 2015 to December 2024, by workers' income level. Additionally, in Phase 3, seven qualitative interviews were held with occupational health and safety experts and...