Occupational Health Hazards among Large-Scale Gold Mineworkers in Ghana

Introduction: The mining industry ranks among the most hazardous occupations globally owing to the high prevalence of workplace accidents. To better protect workers in the industry, there is a need for a comprehensive understanding of risk factors, common illnesses and provision of PPE. Objective: This study examined the prevalence and underlying risk factors to work-related injuries, common illnesses, and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) usage among mineworkers in two large-scale mining companies in Ghana that consented to participation. Methodology: Two hundred mineworkers were selected through stratified sampling in these companies using a semi-structured questionnaire. Chi-square test and binomial logistic regression were employed to determine the relationship between the incidence of occupational injury and selected risk factors using R studio. Results: The results showed that more than a tenth (16%; n = 31) of mineworkers had sustained physical injuries since being employed—mostly lacerations (53%). Out of those injured, (85%; n = 22) reportedly sustain an injury annually. A little more than half (57%; n = 112) of the mineworkers work for more than 40 hours per week. Injuries were significantly associated with the type of profession at the mine (p = 0.04; χ2 = 4.3)—Technicians and Mechanics were more likely to be injured. Although not statistically significant, working for more than 40 hours/week doubled the odds of being injured at the workplace (aOR = 1.77; 95% CI: -0.27 - 1.48). The topmost illnesses among mineworkers were musculoskeletal pains (MSPs) [53%] and headaches (35%). About two-thirds (65%) had all the needed PPEs for their work. Safety goggles were the predominant PPE reportedly lacking among the mineworkers (16%; n = 31). Conclusion: There is a need for targeted training/intervention programmes and adoption of assistive ergonomic devices to protect mineworkers.