ASSESSMENT OF COMPLIANCE TO OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY SERVICES IN THE ARTISANAL SMALL-SCALE GOLD MINES OF MUMBWA DISTRICT, ZAMBIA
Discuss this preprint
Start a discussion What are Sciety discussions?Listed in
This article is not in any list yet, why not save it to one of your lists.Abstract
Mercury-dependent gold mining operations expose workers to occupational health and safety hazards due to mercury’s toxicity. This study assessed occupational health and safety (OHS) services provided in mercury-based gold mines in Mumbwa District, Zambia, aiming to evaluate compliance with OHS standards and identify prevalent health hazards faced by miners. A sequential mixed-methods approach was used. Data was collected through questionnaires from 108 conveniently sampled miners, while qualitative data was gathered through in-depth interviews with safety supervisors. Observational checklists were also used in the mines. Workers were exposed to dust and particulate matter (98%), and mercury exposure (62.7%), among other hazards. Compliance with OHS standards was lacking: only 23.8% of mines complied with training standards, and 33.3% with health checks. No mines had onsite medical services. Higher compliance rates were observed for reporting systems (66.7%), first aid services (62%), and fire safety measures (66.7%). Miners in gold amalgamation processes faced mercury exposure, respiratory risks from dust, and environmental contamination. Among workers in mercury-based gold mines, satisfaction was significantly higher among those who received training (OR = 4.82, p = 0.002), had access to First Aid services (OR = 5.88, p = 0.006), and possessed greater experience (OR = 2.75, p = 0.036), while education showed a non-significant trend (OR = 1.92, p = 0.097), and neither gender (OR = 2.25, p = 0.240) nor fire safety measures (OR = 0.96, p = 0.944) were statistically associated with satisfaction. Facilitators to compliance included a safe work environment, regulations and enforcement, and management support, while barriers included financial constraints, lack of training and awareness, and resistance to change. There is an urgent need for enhanced training programs, onsite medical services, and improved worker participation through OHS committees. Comprehensive strategies are needed to improve OHS compliance and protect miners’ health in Mumbwa, District.
Author Summary
This study evaluates the level of compliance with occupational health and safety (OHS) protocols among artisanal small-scale gold miners in Mumbwa District, Zambia. Using a mixed-methods design, data were collected from miners to assess adherence to safety standards, availability and use of personal protective equipment, and knowledge of health hazards associated with mining activities. The findings reveal critical gaps in safety compliance, highlighting the need for improved regulatory enforcement, targeted health promotion, and safety training tailored to artisanal miners. This research provides important insights for policymakers and stakeholders to enhance OHS practices, reduce workplace injuries, and promote sustainable mining livelihoods in low-resource settings.
