The owners of the Assmang manganese processing plant at Cato Ridge, where at least 50 workers are suspected to be suffering from manganese poisoning, were warned as early as 1995 about the dangers of high levels of dust at the plant.
In 1999 the owners were even advised to use international measurements of acceptable dust levels because the local legislation was outdated, Business Report said on Tuesday.
Harold Gayze of occupational hygienist Occutech confirmed that his firm had assessed risk at Assmang every two years between 1995 and 2001, as required by law.
”The total dust levels which include manganese were too high. We suggested that in some areas they should give their workers respiratory protection as an interim solution because the measures that we suggested, which cost millions, would have taken time to implement.”
Assmang is the subject of a public inquiry led by the Department of Labour, which is trying to establish the circumstances around the exposure of its employees to manganese.
At least 50 workers have developed symptoms associated with manganese poisoning, a crippling condition of the brain and nervous system that can cause infertility, memory loss, poor balance, inability to walk, blinding headaches and severe body tremors.
On Monday the inquiry was to resume at Cato Ridge near Durban, but it was postponed until October 8. A provisional report will be submitted to the Department of Labour next month and a final report in September.
Jan Steenkamp, an executive director at Assmang, admitted that Occutech had warned the company.
”We complied with the legislation in terms of our interpretation. We believe that there are more than just high levels of dust that cause manganism; the concentration of dust levels is important.”
Assmang is jointly owned by Assore and African Rainbow Minerals.
Manganese is used to strengthen steel.
The first meeting aimed between the employer and the employees will be in Johannesburg on Thursday. – Sapa