Occupational Hazards among Artisanal Aluminium Cookware Molders at Asokore Mampong Municipality in the Ashanti Region of Ghana.

Abstract

Artisanal aluminum cookware molders, who transform aluminum trash into household and commercial utensils, often work in unsafe conditions with minimal protection, facing high risks of occupational injuries, health issues, and exposure to hazardous substances. The study assessed occupational hazards among artisanal aluminium workers at Asokore Mampong in the Ashanti region of Ghana. A quantitative cross-sectional survey examined 275 artisanal aluminum cookware molders, recruited using a multi-stage sampling approach, including purposive, snowball, and convenient sampling. Socio-demographic and occupational health and safety practices data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Data analysis was performed, employing descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and logistic regression to assess workplace conditions, safety measures, and health risks. All the participants in the study on artisanal aluminum cookware molders were male, with 41.5% having no formal education. Most participants (67.7%) had low awareness of health hazards from fume exposure during molding, while 59.3% of respondents reported that safety inspections occurred only occasionally. Only 30.2% consistently used PPE. Furthermore, 53.5% of participants had experienced workplace accidents or injuries, with 55.3% seeking medical care at hospitals and 25.5% relying on traditional healers. Several factors influenced consistent PPE use, including age, education, ethnicity, religion, number of workers per shop, work experience, and awareness of fume exposure risks (p < 0.05). Younger participants were 46% less likely to use PPEs than older workers [AOR=0.54 (0.31–0.96), p=0.036]. Those without formal education were 79% less likely to use PPEs [AOR=0.21 (0.11–0.41), p=0.001]. High awareness of fume exposure risks doubled the likelihood of PPE use [AOR=2.01 (1.18–3.43), p=0.010]. Those with 1-5 years of experience were 69% less likely to have health issues [AOR=0.31 (0.14 – 0.69) p=0.004]. Workers with fewer weekly workdays (1-3) were 3 times more likely to experience health issues [AOR=2.93 (1.03 – 8.30) p=0.043], and those working 1-3 hours per day were 4 times more likely to report health problems. Safety practices among the molders were inadequate, with low PPE usage, infrequent safety inspections, and multiple occupational hazards, including aluminum fume exposure, high temperatures, and poor ergonomics. The lack of safety regulations and limited protective measures further heightened occupational risks. Artisanal cookware molding shops should provide and ensure easy access to essential PPE for workers to reduce occupational hazards, including hearing damage, respiratory problems, and cardiovascular risks.