The authors reviewed 8,502 deaths registered at the Salt River state mortuary, Cape Town (medical examiner records) for an 18-month period (1/1/90 - 6/30/91). When fatal occupational injuries located from this data source were matched with the records of the occupational safety inspectorate of the Department of Manpower, it was found that 28% had not been reported in terms of statutory regulations. Unreported deaths accounted for 25% of all fatal occupational injuries in the construction industry. None of the fatal occupational injuries in agriculture and fishing had been reported. Falls constituted 45% of the unreported fatalities. High levels of unreported fatal occupational injury indicate deficiencies in current occupational safety surveillance and enforcement in South Africa.
Abstract