Occupational hazards and environmental health associated with the traditional palm kernel oil extraction method, (A case study of the Abura palm kernel oil industry in the central regional capital, cape coast of Ghana)

Abstract

Occupational and environmental hazards associated with our traditional Industries are hardly considered or discussed to provide an improved form for them. With the Palm Kernel Oil Industry in the Central Region of Ghana, it was observed that, some of the daily occupational hazards are exposure to intense fire source, sharp hot flying objects and smoke. Out of the 50 respondents reported 31%, 6%, 26%, 16% and 21% respectively. Similarly, percentage accidents usually encountered during work were cuts (35%), burns (33%), Oil splashes (26%) and oil spills (6%). Of the various wastes generated, fiber was (21%), residue (38%), shells (38%) and wastewater (3%) and their main disposal method was landfilling (36%), fuel source (36%), selling (25%) and dumping (3%). Some other negative effects of that practice on the environment were bad odor (8%), blocking of waterways (4%) and particulate matter (fiber) recording (4%). Some of the sicknesses usually reported at the hospital by both the employees and residents within the locality were abdominal pain (2.5%), coughing (12.7%), itching eye (21.5%), sleeping disorders (5.1%), respiratory problems (17.7%) headache (13.9%), fatigue (3.8%), score throat (8.9%), general body ache (3.8%) and Malaria (10.1%)