ABSTRACT:
Personal protective equipment considerations among Workers in Selected Quarry Mines in Limpopo Province, South Africa Mukwevho T, Department of Optometry, School of Health Care Sciences, University of Limpopo Sithole HL, Office of the Director, School of Health Care Sciences, University of Limpopo Corresponding Author: Mukwevho T; Cell: 0721550092 Email: Thudzelani.Mukwevho@ul.ac.za ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND:
In quarry mining, miners are exposed to hazardous environment such as dust, flying objects, ultraviolent radiation, noise and chemicals. It is imperative for miners to use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) to avoid unnecessary cases of avoidable injuries and fatalities.

OBJECTIVES:
This study sought to determine the extent to which PPEs were considered by the mine workers in the two selected mines in Limpopo Province, South Africa.

METHODS:
A descriptive quantitative research design approach was adopted to solicit data from the participants included in the study. Purposive sampling was considered the most appropriate method to enumerate 133 participants. Ethical approval was sought before the commencement of the study. Statistical Packages for Social Sciences Software, version 28, was used for data analysis.

RESULTS:
Although about 60% of the participants were using appropriate PPE and at least 10% reported never using any protection at all. The relationship between the years of experience in the mine and awareness of safety measures was statistically significant (x2 = 86.34, p = 0.001). The level of education was also a significant factor to usage of PPE (x2 = 18,99, p = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS:
From the findings in the study, it can be deduced that the more experienced employees and those with a higher level of education had the propensity to consider eye protective practices while engaged in mining operations. This shows that there is a need for ensuring that all new and younger employees are taken through safety precautions before commencement of duty.