| Summary: | A dissertation submitted to the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Engineering, 2021 Background: The mining industry remains one of the pillars of the South African economy and effective management of occupational health and safety (OHS) is critical for the continued sustainability of the sector. Although the South African mining industry (SAMI) has made significant strides in improving OHS conditions over the past two decades, the performance improvements appear to have plateaued at unacceptably high levels. Aim of the study: The purpose of the study was to assess whether the culture transformation framework (CTF) provides sufficient guidance for cultivation of positive OHS culture in the SAMI. The emphasis on OHS culture is important when OHS performance improvements plateaued, following efforts to improve OHS through technical interventions and occupational health and safety management systems (OHSMS), incorporating considerations about human factors and risk management. Methods: A literature review was conducted on relevant local and international literature relating to the concept of OHS culture and best practices in OHS culture management. Occupational health culture was not specifically covered in the literature but relates to concerns about the work environment and the well-being of the workforce. The term “safety” is often used in practice to refer to ‘health and safety’ and workplace health risks have generally been receiving less attention as compared to safety. In line with best practices of integrated OHS management, the term OHS culture was adopted for the purpose of the study. The CTF was examined against best practices in OHS culture management that were revealed by the literature survey. A total of 36 in-depth interviews (IDIs) were conducted to understand key informants’ experiences of the management of OHS culture in the SAMI and their insights into the ...
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