Manganese dust triple legal limit, inquiry told

The inquiry, being held in Cato Ridge, is investigating 40 alleged cases of manganism that have resulted from workers breathing in airborne manganese particles. Harold Gayze, an occupational hygienist, whose firm Occutech had assessed risk at Assmang's ferromanganese smelter every two years between 1995 and 2001, was asked if he had ever recorded manganese dust levels three times in excess of the legislative limits. According to a report in The Witness, some static measurements had even far exceeded that, he replied. Legislation says that workers should not be exposed to more than five milligrams of manganese dust per cubic metre. Gayze said that he was aware that dust masks had been issued, but also that there appeared to be no insistence that workers wear them. Full report in The Witness

A surprise visitor at the inquiry was SA's Chief Inspector of Labour, Tibor Szana. Labour Department inquiry chairman Vuli Sibisi said the chief inspector was attending as an observer only, notes a report in The Mercury, which adds that Szana will take the decision on whether to recommend criminal prosecution charges against Assmang or any of the company's officials. The report says the inquiry, which began last year, is investigating whether factory workers have been exposed to excessive levels of toxic manganese dust; how many workers are affected, whether anyone could be held responsible; and what measures have been taken to improve health and safety. Full report in The Mercury (subscription needed)