Occupational health and safety practices among small scale mining workers in Ghana; a case study of Wassa Amenfi (West, East And Central) Municipals

Abstract

Small-scale mining is perceived as a benchmark for poverty reduction in developing countries. It contributes immensely to national income for countries with minerals reserves and mining activities. Despite the contribution of small-scale mining to Ghana, the industry pays little attention to health and safety practices among miners. This study investigated occupational health and safety practices among small-scale miners using a descriptive cross-sectional survey design. A total of 295 participants were selected from small-scale mining firms in the Wassa Amenfi (West, East, and Central) Districts, Environmental Protection Agency, and the Minerals Commission. Data were gathered from the study participants using structured questionnaires and interview guides whereas levels of heavy metals (mercury and arsenic) concentrations in water and water sediments, were determined by laboratory analysis. Results of the study revealed that 78.98% (233) of the respondents were aware of available regulations regarding workers’ safety. Safety measures adopted by the various mining companies were; safety training (35.00%), the use of PPE (33.00%), regular monitoring (28.00%), and prompt reporting of incidents (4.00%). Miners were exposed to various types of hazards and injuries sustained among miners included cuts, fractures, sprain, broken arms, and entrapment. The commonly used PPE was safety boots (37.00%) whilst the overall coat was the least (8.00%) used among miners. The use of technology was identified as the main factor affecting the implementation of health and safety practices. The mercury in water sediments and water was above the WHO Maximum Permissible Limit (MPL) whereas values of arsenic were below the WHO MPL. The study concluded that occupational health and safety were a priority in the small-scale mining companies within the study area.