Application of two secondary documentary sources to identify the underreporting of fatal occupational injuries in cape town, south africa

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Abstract
We 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.