Occupational health and safety knowledge and practices of workers in the AngloGold Ashanti Iduapriem gold mine Ghana limited, Tarkwa

Abstract

Most African countries are noted for poor occupational health and safety practices. In spite of the numerous occupational health and safety advances in recent years, several occupational accidents, hazards and incidence plaque most African countries, including Ghana. This study examines problems and issues related to Occupational Health and Safety at AngloGold Ashanti Iduapriem Gold Mine Ghana Limited, Tarkwa. The findings revealed that though the occupational health and safety policies of the company were adequate and upheld to many of the times, there are reported cases of accidents and incidents which appear on the ascendancy. Recommendations arising out of the study include the need for top personnel of the mining company to strengthen measures to ensure health and safety at the work premises and increase training programmes on health and safety policies for its new employees and refresher courses for serving staff. Stratified sampling as well as random sampling techniques was adopted for the study to select two hundred (200) persons selected across all sections of the company. It was made up of 40 senior members and 160 junior members of staff. As a result of the many different sections of the Company, the researcher used a cross sectional approach as a research design to capture the practice and views in all sections at a given time.