Noise
Gold Fields – South Deep

Noise

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.

Regulatory Milestones for Noise Control in Mining

To combat the high incidence of NIHL, the Mine Health and Safety Council (MHSC), under the Mine Health and Safety Act of 1996 (as amended), introduced stringent noise control milestones. As agreed during the 2014 Occupational Health and Safety Summit, the following regulatory targets were established:

Equipment Noise Emission

Target: By December 2024, the total operational or process noise emitted by any mining equipment must not exceed a milestone sound pressure level of 107 dB(A).

Standard Threshold Shift (STS)

Target: By December 2016, no employee’s Standard Threshold Shift (STS) should exceed 25 dB from the baseline when averaged at 2000, 3000 and 4000 Hz in one or both ears.

These benchmarks aim to significantly reduce occupational noise exposure and protect workers from long-term auditory damage.

Key Objectives of the MOSH Noise Team

  • To prioritise noise source elimination as the primary intervention strategy
  • To meet the 2024 milestone of eliminating Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) in mining

Balancing 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.