About Noise Control
Preventing Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) in the South African Mining Industry
Overview of Occupational Noise Hazards
In the mining sector, noise is defined as any unwanted sound that may interfere with communication or cause damage to hearing. Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) is a permanent and irreversible condition resulting from prolonged exposure to excessive noise levels. NIHL remains one of the most common and debilitating occupational health injuries in South African mining operations, significantly impacting workers’ quality of life and productivity.
2024 milestones for the elimination of noise induced hearing loss, through quietening of equipment.
The following aspirational targets for 2034, were agreed during the 2024 Milestone Review OHS Summit. These milestones, along with a set of supporting actions and interventions, were formally adopted by tripartite stakeholders and will be monitored by the MHSC to ensure industry-wide alignment and document progress made:
Equipment Noise Emission
Target: By December 2034, the noise emitted by individual pieces of equipment operated by employees and individual process equipment should not exceed a milestone sound pressure level of 104 dB(A).
Medical Surveillance
Target: Using current diagnostic methods, by December 2034, there should be no novice cases of noise induced hearing loss amongst previously unexposed individuals. (“Previously unexposed individual” are those unexposed to occupational noise prior to December 2024 i.e. Equivalent to a new person who entered the industry in January 2025)
These benchmarks aim to significantly reduce occupational noise exposure and protect workers from long-term auditory damage.
Key Objectives of the MOSH Noise Team
- Driving the identification and adoption of high-impact leading practices and research outcomes
- Development of a comprehensive OEM engagement strategy
- Residual noise risk management
- Acoustic engineering in workplace design and redesign
Balancing Health and Safety, Technology and Practical Feasibility
The MOSH Noise Team acknowledges the need to balance technological feasibility, economic constraints and practical limitations when implementing noise control measures. Accordingly, the strategy supports the combined use of:
- Engineering controls (e.g., noise reduction at the source)
- Administrative controls (e.g., rotation schedules to limit exposure)
- Personal protective equipment such as Hearing Protection Devices (HPDs)
By integrating regulatory compliance with best-practice controls, the South African mining industry continues to advance toward the elimination of NIHL and the broader goal of Zero Harm in occupational health and safety.
Noise Leading Practices
