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.
