Assessment of workers’ perception of occupational hazards at Nampundwe Mine in Zambia

Abstract

Mine accidents remain a significant concern despite ongoing investments in health and safety training. This study explores mineworkers’ perceptions of workplace hazards to better understand accident prevention and the protection of health, life, and property. A total of 205 workers from Nampundwe Mine participated in the study, including managers, supervisors, machine operators, general miners, and contractors. A mixed-methods approach was employed, incorporating semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, and document reviews. The findings revealed that occupational health hazards significantly affect contractors’ monthly income. Workers have good to fair knowledge of occupational hazards, with supervisors having the highest level of awareness and contractors the lowest. Despite receiving training in emergency response and awareness of health and safety measures, workers rarely followed standard operating procedures. The major causes of accidents identified were violation of safety rules, falls from heights, and incidents involving trackless vehicles. These findings highlight the need for improved adherence to safety protocols to prevent accidents. Targeted interventions are necessary to enhance workplace safety and reduce accidents in the mining industry. Our study provides valuable insights into the perceptions of mineworkers and identifies areas for improvement. By addressing these gaps, mining companies can create a safer working environment and protect the health and well-being of their workers.

Keywords

Occupational hazards / Mineworkers / Safety training / Workplace safety / Health risks

Funding

None.

Conflict of interest

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

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