Tackling injustices of occupational lung disease acquired in South African mines: recent developments and ongoing challenges

Abstract

[...]using the number of expected claims for each country, we further calculated the difference from the actual number of claims to estimate the number of unclaimed cases. [...]we apply a critical rights-based lens to examine progress and ongoing barriers, reflecting upon advancements and challenges in terms of institutional accountability as a vehicle for health equity [25]. There must be some flag or something because while the person is still with you [at the mine]… they should prepare documentation and get all information they can [in order] to stay in contact with that person. Because the type of disease takes a long time, that’s when your bank account goes dormant, and then the cell phone has expired...We have found, confirmed from the tracing company, that after three months, it [this information] is not effective anymore.” The cash transfers won to date can help alleviate poverty and restore the dignity of miners and their families; however, obstacles need to be overcome. [...]prevention interventions such as dust control are important to ensure that future generations of workers have “decent work” and do not develop occupational lung diseases.