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.
Description:
A thesis in the Department of Public Health Education,
Faculty of Environment and Health Education submitted to the School of
Graduate Studies in partial fulfilment
of the requirements for the award of the degree of
Master of Philosophy
(Environmental and Occupational Health Education)
University of Education, Winneba
AUGUST, 2022