Assessment of workers’ knowledge and views of occupational health hazards of gold mining in Obuasi Municipality, Ghana

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 38-52
Author(s):  
Michael Atakora ◽  
Berndt Stenberg
Keyword(s):  
Occupational Health ◽  
Work Experience ◽  
Gold Mining ◽  
Human Life ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
Simple Random Sampling ◽  
Health Hazards ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Multivariable Logistic Regression Analysis ◽  
Cross Sectional

Background: Small-scale mining in Ghana has been a major community and national concern due to its contribution to the destruction of farmlands and bodies of water, and to the loss of human life. Small-scale mining exposes workers to varying degrees of health hazards and problems. Objectives: The study aimed to assess the knowledge and views of workers about the occupational health hazards and problems related to small-scale gold mining in Obuasi Municipality, Ghana, to help improve workers’ safety at the mining sites. Methods: A cross-sectional study was done between May and December 2011. Simple random sampling was used to select 150 small-scale miners take part in this study. The workers were asked about their knowledge and views of occupational health hazards and problems related to gold mining. Data were entered with EpiData Entry 3.1 and analyzed using Stata 11. Results: Most workers (63.3%) had low knowledge of occupational health and safety regulations. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that knowledge about regulations was associated with level of education (OR = 8.5; 95% CI: 7–10.5). The common effects of mining that workers expressed awareness of were land pollution (30%), water pollution (28%), air pollution (18.7%), and noise pollution (16%). The factors influencing exposure to health hazards related to mining were low educational levels (14%), little work experience (30.7%), incorrect handling of equipment or chemicals (26%), poor law enforcement (12.7%), and negligence (16.7%). In general, occupational lung disease (16%), occupational hearing loss (14%), heat illnesses (12%), eye infections (16%), malaria (24%), and skin infections (18%) were the most common health problems study participants mentioned. Conclusion: High levels of occupational health hazards and problems related to gold mining exist among workers in private mines. Safety program should be offered as part of associated public health programs to limit the most significant risks. We further recommend education and training on regulations and the use of personal protective equipment.

scholarly journals Awareness and incidents of occupational health hazards among female workers of small scale food processing units of Punjab state

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 42-47
Author(s):  
Ritu Gupta ◽  
Deepika Bisht
Keyword(s):  
Women Workers ◽  
Occupational Health ◽  
Health Risks ◽  
Food Processing ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
Working Hours ◽  
Face Mask ◽  
Health Hazards ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Female Workers

Female workers have to work both in the industry as well as at the home to meet their family’s daily need. The work pattern in food processing units is very repetitive and exposes workers to several health risks. Lack of protective clothing and equipment also exposes workers’ health to Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) hazards and diseases, thereby reducing their efficiency and productivity. The present study was, therefore, undertaken to explore the awareness and incidents of occupational health hazards among female workers of small scale food processing units. The study was carried out on 30 women workers engaged in small scale food processing units. The sample was randomly selected from five randomly selected food processing units of Punjab state. Personal interview method, using an interview schedule, and observation technique were adopted to collect the relevant data. Results revealed that most of the respondents were aware about many of the occupational health hazards related to their work and all the respondents were suffering from muscle pain and discomfort because of working in awkward posture for long working hours. Majority (85 %) of the respondents were aware about the regular use of Personal Protective Equipment/Clothing (PPE/PPC) at workplace, but only 33.3 per cent were using apron, 36.7 per cent were using gloves, 26.7 per cent were using face mask and 40 per cent were using head cover at the workplace. Also because of the pain in the lower back of the respondents, many of their routine activities got affected. The present study highlighted the occupational health hazards faced by the workers of small scale food processing units and the causes of health hazards. It will be beneficial for the workers and the employers of food processing units to take preventive measures to avoid or reduce any health risks at the workplace.

scholarly journals Knowledge of occupational health hazards and practice of personal protective equipment among fabrication workers in Kathmandu district, Nepal

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 115-23
Author(s):  
Bibeka Shrestha ◽  
Naresh Manandhar ◽  
Sunil Kumar Joshi
Keyword(s):  
Occupational Health ◽  
Personal Protective Equipment ◽  
Work Experience ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Health Hazards ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Occupational Hazards ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Work Related

Background: Fabrication work is one of the hazardous occupations in which workers are exposed to different occupational hazards and injuries. But the workers lack proper knowledge about protecting themselves from those hazards. This study was conducted, to assess knowledge about occupational health hazards among fabrication workers and to find out the practice of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in fabrication works. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 394 fabricator workers of Kathmandu District by using a multi-stage sampling technique. Participants were interviewed with a pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire. Results: All the participants were male, and their age ranged from 19-60 years with the mean age of 32.3 years. 71.3% of participants had work-related health complains, among which arc eye (85.76%) was the most common. Among them, 87.1% had at least used one PPE. There was a significant association between awareness about occupational hazards and work experience of fabrication workers (p=0.001), and the practice of PPE with religion (p<0.01). Conclusions: This study found that fabrication workers were aware of occupational hazards and the use of PPE during the fabrication work. But the practice of PPE was not enough to protect them from the occupational hazards.

Assessment of health status of traffic constables: An occupationally exposed group in Pakistan

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 19-24
Author(s):  
Mahnoor Taheer Butt ◽  
Iram Manzoor ◽  
Muhammad Ahmad ◽  
Muhammad Abbas Shah
Keyword(s):  
Occupational Health ◽  
Work Experience ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Health Hazards ◽  
Social Health ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Respiratory Problems ◽  
Occupationally Exposed

Background: Traffic constables are exposed to various occupational health hazards worldwide. This study is planned to assess occupational health hazards in traffic constables in Punjab, Pakistan. Subjects and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in different cities of Punjab including Lahore, Gujranwala, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Sialkot and Islamabad from March till August 2018. A sample of 384 traffic personals were selected by using non-probability convenient sampling technique. Retired traffic constables and those with work experience less than a year were excluded. A pretested questionnaire was used to conduct the interviews after taking informed consent. Data was collected and analyzed using SPSS version 22 and presented in frequency tables and charts. Results: Maximum number of constables belonged to 31-40 years of age group. Among them 98.7% were male, 25% were having education level above graduation. Results of physical health hazards showed that 53% of warden were smoker, 16.14% were known diabetics and 19.53% were found to be hypertensive. Other physical ailments included respiratory problems (23.4%), hearing impairment or loss (15.88%) and various eye ailments (13.28%). Additionally, 9.1% of participants had evidence of lead poisoning, 33.84% complaints of tightness in muscles and 13.72% of headache, whereas 35.7% had met an accident in the last year. Prevalence of stress and anxiety were 30% and 33.33%. Regarding social health issues 36.7% reported that they were unable to give family time and 42.48% felt lack of independence due to their occupation. Job satisfaction was reported by 50%. Conclusion: The traffic constables in Punjab suffer from a large number of physical, mental and social health issues. Their perception about their occupational health hazards is low and needs improvement through imparting health education.

scholarly journals The occurrence of occupational health hazards in districts health facilities in Kigali, Rwanda

2017 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 21 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chinenye Mercy Nwankwo ◽  
Simon Karanja ◽  
Hilda Vasanthakaalam
Keyword(s):  
Occupational Health ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Group Discussion ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
Health Facilities ◽  
Health Hazards ◽  
Policy Enforcement ◽  
District Health ◽  
Cross Sectional

Background: Health workers are constantly exposed to chemical, physical, psychological and biological agents that affect their health. Regular information is critical for setting priorities necessary to enhance workers health and safety. The study determined the occurrence of occupational health hazards among health care worker in the three selected district health facilities in Kigali, Rwanda (July-December 2016).Methods: It adopted a cross-sectional design involving both qualitative and quantitative data collection approaches. A total of 249 healthcare workers were selected systematically for interviewing. Data were collected using semi structured questionnaires, a focus group discussion guide and an observational checklist. Data analysis involves descriptive and inferential statistics. The observed differences in the parameter of estimate were considered significantly different at p<0.05.Results: Back-ache and accidents experienced while working contributed majority of occupational hazards, thus; 151 (60.6%, 95% CI=54.28–66.75) and 139 (55.8%, 95% CI=49.42–62.09), respectively. Health hazards from violence and molestation contributed 8 (3.2%, 95% CI=01.39–6.23) of the cases, furthermore, lack of hospital management commitment to policy, poor policy enforcement, health facility safety activities, employees’ participation in safety programs and post exposure compliance were associated with occurrence occupational hazard among healthcare workers (p<0.05). Qualitatively, the process of waste collection, sorting, marking, storage and transportation were not in line with policy regulations and contributed further to the hazard cases.Conclusions: Finally, direct job supervision, proper job placement, training and effective safety communication and reporting can enhance work safety and risk aversion. 

scholarly journals HUBUNGAN PELAKSANAAN PROGRAM KESEHATAN DAN KESELAMATAN KERJA DENGAN KINERJA KARYAWAN BAGIAN TAMBANG

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 758-764
Author(s):  
Herlinawati Herlinawati ◽  
Hayyatun Nubus
Keyword(s):  
Occupational Health ◽  
Random Sampling ◽  
Employee Performance ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
Occupational Health And Safety ◽  
Simple Random Sampling ◽  
P Value ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Chi Square Test

Berdasarkan hasil dari data kinerja karyawan PT. Arteria Daya Mulia (ARIDA) Cirebon pada bulan Juni tahun 2015 menunjukkan output kerja atau pencapaian kerja masih kurang dari target yang diharapkan maka hasil produksi perhari belum menunjukkan kinerja yang baik yang dimungkinkan dipengaruhi oleh faktor internal organisasi, yaitu program kesehatan dan keselamatan kerja dimana pelaksanaan program kesehatan dan keselamatan kerja yang masih kurang baik sehingga kinerja karyawannya pun kurang baik. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui hubungan pelaksanaan program kesehatan dan keselamatan kerja dengan kinerja karyawan bagian tambang di PT. Arteria Daya Mulia (ARIDA) Cirebon Tahun 2015. Rancangan dalam penelitian ini adalah Cross Sectional. Populasi penelitian ini adalah seluruh karyawan bagian tambang di PT. Arteria Daya Mulia (ARIDA) Cirebon Tahun 2015 sebanyak 112 karyawan. Jumlah sampel sebanyak 52 karyawan yang diambil secara Simple Random Sampling. Metode pengumpulan data menggunakan cara angket. Data dianalisis secara statistik menggunakan Uji Chi-Square pada taraf kepercayaan 5% (0,05). Hasil uji statistik dengan menggunakan uji Chi-Square diperoleh nilai P value = 0,020 pada taraf kepercayaan 5% karena nilai P value = 0,020 lebih kecil dari 0,05 (0,020 ≤ 0,05). Sehingga Ha diterima yang menyatakan ada hubungan antara pelaksanaan program kesehatan dan keselamatan kerja dengan kinerja karyawan bagian tambang PT. Arteria Daya Mulia (ARIDA) Cirebon Tahun 2015.Kata Kunci          : Kesehatan Keselamatan Kerja, Kinerja Karyawan   ABSTRACTBased on the results of the performance data of employees of PT. Arteria Daya Mulia (ARIDA) Cirebon in June 2015 shows the output of work or achievement of work is still less than the expected target, the production  day has not shown good performance enabled influenced by factors internal to the organization, a program of health and safety where implementation of the program occupational health and safety are still not good so the performance was less good employees. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship of the program with the occupational health and safety performance in the mining section of employees of PT. Arteria Daya Mulia (ARIDA) Cirebon 2015. The design of this study was cross sectional. The study population is all employees of the mine in PT. Arteria Daya Mulia (ARIDA) Cirebon in 2015 as many as 112 employees. The total sample of 52 employees who were taken by simple random sampling. Methods of data collection using the questionnaire method. Date were statistically analyzed using Chi-Square test at the level of 5% (0.05). Results of statistical test by using Chi-Square test values obtained P value = 0.020 confidence level of 5% since the value P value = 0.020 less than 0.05 (0.05 ≤ 0.020). So Ha is received stating there is a relationship between the implementation of occupational health and safety program with employee performance of the mining PT. Arteria Daya Mulia (ARIDA) Cirebon 2015.Keywords: Health Safety at Work, Employee Performance

scholarly journals Evaluating Occupational Health and Safety Management Strategy Success Factors for Small-Scale Contractors in Zambia

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (9) ◽  
pp. 4696
Author(s):  
Mwewa Mambwe ◽  
Erastus M. Mwanaumo ◽  
Wellington D. Thwala ◽  
Clinton O. Aigbavboa
Keyword(s):  
Occupational Health ◽  
Human Resource Development ◽  
Management Strategy ◽  
Quantitative Methods ◽  
Success Factors ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
Occupational Health And Safety ◽  
Electricity Industry ◽  
The Body ◽  
Small Scale

Small-scale contractors (SSCs) require management strategies in implementing occupational health and safety (OH&S) performance at projects to reduce accidents, injuries, fatalities and diseases. Management strategy success factors have been acknowledged to be of great benefit in improving in OH&S performance. Hence, the study sought to assess the management strategy success factors for the improvement of OH&S performance by SSCs in Zambia’s electricity industry. Using quantitative methods, data was collected using a survey questionnaire from 246 respondents representing firm owners, managers, project managers and OH&S representatives at electricity industry projects at 70.3% response rate. Descriptive and inferential statistics were adopted as methods of data analysis using exploratory factor analysis. After analysis, the success factors were clustered into three construct categories within OH&S performance namely, compliance and workplace processes, policy and human resource development, and leadership and structure significant values ranging from 0.513 to 0.972. The independent reliability was tested using the Cronbach Alpha coefficient. The study exposed management strategy success factors are well recognised by most SSCs and contributed to the body of knowledge in this mastery by introducing three success factors for OH&S performance. It is recommended that these factors be adopted and considered to improve OH&S performance management by SSCs in the electricity industry in Zambia.

Health and Safety in Nail Salons: A Cross-Sectional Survey

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sadaf Sanaat ◽  
D Linn Holness ◽  
Victoria H Arrandale
Keyword(s):  
Occupational Health ◽  
Small Businesses ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
Musculoskeletal Symptoms ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Safety Practices ◽  
Runny Nose ◽  
Few Data ◽  
Nail Salons

Abstract Objectives In recent years, nail salons have become more abundant than ever. The majority are small businesses, often employing immigrant women. Nail technicians have many exposures at work including chemical, biological, physical, and ergonomic hazards but few data exist on their symptoms or occupational health and safety practices, particularly in the Canadian context. The aim of this study was to learn about nail technicians, their work, and their health and safety practices. Methods Nail technicians were recruited from nail salons in Toronto, Ontario. Participants completed an anonymous survey with questions about demographics, work tasks, workplace health and safety practices, and symptoms (skin, respiratory, and musculoskeletal). Results A total of 155 nail technicians (95% female) participated in the survey. The majority of nail technicians performed manicures (99%) and pedicures (96%) and applied shellac polishes (86%). Only a third (34%) applied acrylic artificial nails. The reported use of personal protective equipment (PPE) was very high; 88% reported using a mask at work and 96% reporting using gloves. The most common symptoms reported by technicians were neck (44%) and back pain (38%). Skin and respiratory symptoms were less common with 6% of technicians reporting cough, 8% wheeze, and 5% a current rash. Technicians working over 30 h per week reported more neck pain (52 vs. 32%, P = 0.02). Technicians who reported using shellac polishes were more likely to report a runny nose (25 vs. 0%, P = 0.01). Conclusions Nail technicians in Toronto, Canada are experiencing work-related symptoms. Musculoskeletal symptoms were the most common symptoms reported. Much of the focus on nail salons and health has been on chemical exposures, but ergonomic hazards should not be overlooked. Efforts to increase knowledge and improve occupational health in nail salons should include information on multiple possible workplace hazards and how to reduce impacts of exposure.

P130 Health hazards of artisanal and small-scale gold mining

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephan Bose-O’Reilly ◽  
Nadine Steckling ◽  
Dennis Nowak
Keyword(s):  
Gold Mining ◽  
Health Hazards ◽  
Small Scale

scholarly journals Health hazards and risks for musculoskeletal problems among child labourers in the brickfield sector of West Bengal, India

2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 250-257 ◽  
Author(s):  
Banibrata Das
Keyword(s):  
Heart Rate ◽  
Occupational Health ◽  
Respiratory Health ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Health Hazards ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Control Subjects ◽  
Strenuous Activity ◽  
Musculoskeletal Problems

Abstract Aims The purpose of this study was to describe the health hazards among child labourers in brickfields, and to assess occupational health problems, together with physiological and respiratory stress, compared with child control subjects. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted on 112 child brickfield workers and 120 control subjects, and a modified Nordic Questionnaire was applied to assess the discomfort felt among both groups of workers. Physiological assessment of the workload was carried out by the measurement of heart rate, blood pressure and spirometry of the workers. Results Child brickfield workers suffer from pain, especially in the lower back (97%), shoulder (88%), hands (82%), wrist (76%), neck (73%) and ankle (71%). The post-activity heart rate of the child brickfield workers was 166.5 beats/min, whereas the systolic and diastolic blood pressures were 132.2 and 67.2 mm/Hg, respectively. The forced vital capacity value of child brickfield workers was 2.04, and in the case of the controls it was 2.18, which was significantly different. The forced expiratory volumes in 1 s of experimental and control subjects were 1.82 and 1.92, respectively. The peak expiratory flow rate was significantly different between the two groups. Conclusions Most of the brick-making activities were strenuous ones that affected the children. The cardiovascular and respiratory health of the child brickfield workers has changed markedly due to strenuous activity. The child brickfield workers also experienced other occupational health problems and severe musculoskeletal pain.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document