Analysis of Injuries in the Ghanaian Mining Industry and Priority Areas for Research

Background: Despite improvements in safety performance, the number and severity of mining-related injuries remain high and unacceptable, indicating that further reduction can be achieved. This study examines occupational accident statistics of the Ghanaian mining industry and identifies priority are...

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Main Author: Eric Stemn
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Elsevier 2019-06-01
Series:Safety and Health at Work
Online Access:http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2093791118301616
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author Eric Stemn
author_facet Eric Stemn
author_sort Eric Stemn
collection DOAJ
description Background: Despite improvements in safety performance, the number and severity of mining-related injuries remain high and unacceptable, indicating that further reduction can be achieved. This study examines occupational accident statistics of the Ghanaian mining industry and identifies priority areas, warranting intervention measures and further investigations. Methods: A total of 202 fatal and nonfatal injury reports over a 10-year period were obtained from five mines and the Inspectorate Division of the Minerals Commission of Ghana, and they were analyzed. Results: Results of the analyses show that the involvement of mining equipment, the task being performed, the injury type, and the mechanism of injury remain as priorities. For instance, mining equipment was associated with 85% of all injuries and 90% of all fatalities, with mobile equipment, component/part, and hand tools being the leading equipment types. In addition, mechanics/repairmen, truck operators, and laborers were the most affected ones, and the most dangerous activities included maintenance, operating mobile equipment, and clean up/clearing. Conclusion: Results of this analysis will enable authorities of mines to develop targeted interventions to improve their safety performance. To improve the safety of the mines, further research and prevention efforts are recommended. Keywords: Accident, Injury analysis, Mining, Mining equipment
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spelling doaj.art-48be5d1f4e1b43779dc7de8ef7dd71a32023-09-03T02:19:31ZengElsevierSafety and Health at Work2093-79112019-06-01102151165Analysis of Injuries in the Ghanaian Mining Industry and Priority Areas for ResearchEric Stemn0Mineral Industry Safety and Health Centre, Sustainable Minerals Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane 4072, QLD, Australia; Environmental and Safety Engineering Department, University of Mines and Technology, Tarkwa, GhanaBackground: Despite improvements in safety performance, the number and severity of mining-related injuries remain high and unacceptable, indicating that further reduction can be achieved. This study examines occupational accident statistics of the Ghanaian mining industry and identifies priority areas, warranting intervention measures and further investigations. Methods: A total of 202 fatal and nonfatal injury reports over a 10-year period were obtained from five mines and the Inspectorate Division of the Minerals Commission of Ghana, and they were analyzed. Results: Results of the analyses show that the involvement of mining equipment, the task being performed, the injury type, and the mechanism of injury remain as priorities. For instance, mining equipment was associated with 85% of all injuries and 90% of all fatalities, with mobile equipment, component/part, and hand tools being the leading equipment types. In addition, mechanics/repairmen, truck operators, and laborers were the most affected ones, and the most dangerous activities included maintenance, operating mobile equipment, and clean up/clearing. Conclusion: Results of this analysis will enable authorities of mines to develop targeted interventions to improve their safety performance. To improve the safety of the mines, further research and prevention efforts are recommended. Keywords: Accident, Injury analysis, Mining, Mining equipmenthttp://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2093791118301616
spellingShingle Eric Stemn
Analysis of Injuries in the Ghanaian Mining Industry and Priority Areas for Research
Safety and Health at Work
title Analysis of Injuries in the Ghanaian Mining Industry and Priority Areas for Research
title_full Analysis of Injuries in the Ghanaian Mining Industry and Priority Areas for Research
title_fullStr Analysis of Injuries in the Ghanaian Mining Industry and Priority Areas for Research
title_full_unstemmed Analysis of Injuries in the Ghanaian Mining Industry and Priority Areas for Research
title_short Analysis of Injuries in the Ghanaian Mining Industry and Priority Areas for Research
title_sort analysis of injuries in the ghanaian mining industry and priority areas for research
url http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2093791118301616
work_keys_str_mv AT ericstemn analysisofinjuriesintheghanaianminingindustryandpriorityareasforresearch