ABSTRACT
Background: Mining, construction, and manufacturing are among the most hazardous industries, globally, with high rates of occupational injuries and illnesses. In South Africa, the Occupational Health and Safety Act and Mine Health and Safety Act require workers to report occupational incidents, but under-reporting remains widespread. Studies have largely focused on workplacelevel micro-factors, with limited attention to broader macro-environment influences.
Objectives: We examined whether macro-environment economic, political and legal, demographic, socio-cultural, and technological factors outside the workplace influence reporting of injuries and illnesses, and compared reporting patterns between low- and middle-income workers.
Methods: A cross-sectional sequential mixed-methods design was used. Phase 1 involved convenience sampling of 273 low- and middle-income workers in six mining, construction, and manufacturing companies in Gauteng province, South Africa who completed a structured questionnaire. Quantitative data were analysed using SPSS and Stata. 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 was used to assess associations between macro-environment factors and reporting. Univariate and multivariable linear regression analyses (using ordinary least squares) examined how macro-environment and other demographic independent variables influenced reporting. Statistical significance was set at 5%. In phase 2, seven qualitative interviews were held with occupational health and safety (OHS) experts, and analysed using thematic and narrative analysis, with triangulation used to enhance validity.
Results: The response rate was 70.8%. The study participants were predominantly male (88.2%), black African (87.6%), low income (63.3%), and with an education of grade 12 or below (76.9%). More than 94% expressed willingness to report incidents, influenced by employer support and system accessibility. However, macro-environment barriers affected reporting: social factors (language, racial dynamics), economic factors (fear of job loss, reduced income during recovery, reassignment to lower-paid light duty roles, denied promotions or benefits for reporting), and demographic challenges (age-related employment vulnerability). Expert interviews highlighted cultural factors, migrant worker limitations, and Zero Harm incentive schemes. Regression analyses indicated significant associations between reporting and education (post-high school), income group (middle income), industry (manufacturing), and having received OHS training.
Conclusion: Although legislative frameworks support reporting, macro-environment economic, social, and demographic barriers may undermine workers’ reporting behaviour. Interventions addressing these broader contextual factors are needed.
