Occupational safety management in motorcycle mechanic workshop in Bolgatanga municipality in the Upper East region of Ghana

Abstract

The study looked at how artisans in Bolgatanga Municipality managed safety in their workshops. The safety assessments were based on questionnaire and observation at the various workshops within the Municipality. Descriptive survey design was used for the study. A sample of 50 artisans was randomly selected. The data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS v16). The study revealed that, none of the artisans had the opportunity to attend any training, seminar or workshop on industrial safety. The findings revealed that all the artisans do not read instructional manual on new motorcycle before repairs. Furthermore, none of the artisans (100%) reported accidents cases that happened in their workshops. The study again revealed that 60 % of the respondents charged GH¢20 as the cost of major repairs, 66% charged GH¢2 as minor repairs whiles 50% charged GH¢20 for assembling a new motorcycle. The artisans had no association to regulate their activities. It was recommended that a branch of the Department of Factories Inspectorate (DFI) should be opened in Bolgatanga to help check the activities of artisans in the industrial area. Also the Department of Factories Inspectorate (DFI) could collaborate with institutions such as the Rural Technology Facility (RTF), and Asungtaaba Women’s Association locally base NGOs to organize training, seminars or workshops on industrial safety for the artisans in the Municipality