Occupational Health Hazards among Large-Scale Gold Mineworkers in Ghana
Occupational Health Hazards among Large-Scale Gold Mineworkers in Ghana
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Date
2022-06-14
Authors
Dartey, Emmanuel
Monney, Isaac
Sarpong, Kofi
Kuffour, Collins
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Publisher
Scientific Research Publishing
Abstract
The mining industry ranks among the most hazardous occu pations globally owing to the high prevalence of workplace accidents. To bet ter protect workers in the industry, there is a need for a comprehensive un derstanding of risk factors, common illnesses and provision of PPE. Objec tive: This study examined the prevalence and underlying risk factors to
work-related injuries, common illnesses, and Personal Protective Equipment
(PPE) usage among mineworkers in two large-scale mining companies in
Ghana that consented to participation. Methodology: Two hundred mine workers were selected through stratified sampling in these companies using a
semi-structured questionnaire. Chi-square test and binomial logistic regres sion were employed to determine the relationship between the incidence of
occupational injury and selected risk factors using R studio. Results: The re sults showed that more than a tenth (16%; n = 31) of mineworkers had sus tained physical injuries since being employed—mostly lacerations (53%). Out
of those injured, (85%; n = 22) reportedly sustain an injury annually. A little
more than half (57%; n = 112) of the mineworkers work for more than 40
hours per week. Injuries were significantly associated with the type of profes sion at the mine (p = 0.04; χ
2 = 4.3)—Technicians and Mechanics were more
likely to be injured. Although not statistically significant, working for more
than 40 hours/week doubled the odds of being injured at the workplace (aOR
= 1.77; 95% CI: −0.27 - 1.48). The topmost illnesses among mineworkers were
musculoskeletal pains (MSPs) [53%] and headaches (35%). About two-thirds
(65%) had all the needed PPEs for their work. Safety goggles were the predo minant PPE reportedly lacking among the mineworkers (16%; n = 31). Con clusion: There is a need for targeted training/intervention programmes and
adoption of assistive ergonomic devices to protect mineworkers.
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Citation
Dartey, E., Monney, I., Sarpong, K., & Kuffour, C. (2022). Occupational Health Hazards among Large-Scale Gold Mineworkers in Ghana. Occupational Diseases and Environmental Medicine, 10(03), 149-166.