Knowledge of occupational health and safety, and working conditions of small-scale gold miners in tarkwa nsuaem municipality

Abstract

The main purpose of the study was to assess the knowledge of occupational health and safety, and working conditions of small-scale gold miners in Tarkwa Nsuaem Municipality. A quantitative research approach was used on a survey of 265 small-scale gold miners across Tarkwa through the usage of proportionate random sampling technique. Interview schedule was used to gather the data which were analysed using descriptive analytical techniques such as frequencies and percentages as well as chi-square statistics. The outcome of the study showed that majority of the miners expressed knowledge of occupational health and safety, while participation in basic occupational health and safety training enabled the miners to know about the occupational health and safety policy at the mining workplace. In terms of working conditions, most of the miners worked for more than eight hours per day, but were not paid for working overtime, while they were exposed to dust, rock falls, and harmful chemicals. The study also found that knowledge of occupational health and safety policies at the workplace was associated with the wearing of protective hand gloves and overall/overcoat for the body as well as ear protector while working. It was concluded that knowledge of occupational health and safety is relevant for promoting healthy and safe small-scale gold mining work. The study recommended further education for the small-scale gold miners to deepen their knowledge of occupational health and safety for the reduction of the occurrence of occupational hazards, diseases and injuries.