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Injury Risk Factors in a Small-Scale Gold Mining Community in Ghana’s Upper East Region

Author

Listed:
  • Rachel N. Long

    (Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA)

  • Kan Sun

    (Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA)

  • Richard L. Neitzel

    (Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
    Risk Science Center, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA)

Abstract

Occupational injury is one of many health concerns related to small-scale gold mining (ASGM), but few data exist on the subject, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. In 2011 and 2013, we examined accidents, injuries, and potential risk factors in a Ghanaian ASGM community. In 2011, 173 participants were surveyed on occupational history and health, and 22 of these were surveyed again in 2013. Injury rates were estimated at 45.5 and 38.5 injuries per 100 person-years in 2011 and in 2013, respectively; these rates far surpass those of industrialized mines in the U.S. and South Africa. Demographic and job characteristics generally were not predictive of injury risk, though there was a significant positive association with injury risk for males and smokers. Legs and knees were the most common body parts injured, and falling was the most common cause of injury. The most common type of injuries were cuts or lacerations, burns and scalds, and contusions and abrasions. Only two miners had ever received any occupational safety training, and PPE use was low. Our results suggest that injuries should be a priority area for occupational health research in ASGM.

Suggested Citation

  • Rachel N. Long & Kan Sun & Richard L. Neitzel, 2015. "Injury Risk Factors in a Small-Scale Gold Mining Community in Ghana’s Upper East Region," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 12(8), pages 1-18, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:12:y:2015:i:8:p:8744-8761:d:53161
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Yakovleva, Natalia, 2007. "Perspectives on female participation in artisanal and small-scale mining: A case study of Birim North District of Ghana," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 32(1-2), pages 29-41.
    2. Teschner, Benjamin A., 2012. "Small-scale mining in Ghana: The government and the galamsey," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 37(3), pages 308-314.
    3. Aubynn, Anthony, 2009. "Sustainable solution or a marriage of inconvenience? The coexistence of large-scale mining and artisanal and small-scale mining on the Abosso Goldfields concession in Western Ghana," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 34(1-2), pages 64-70.
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    Cited by:

    1. E. Kyeremateng-Amoah & Edith E. Clarke, 2015. "Injuries among Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Miners in Ghana," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 12(9), pages 1-11, September.
    2. Josephine Singo & John Bosco Isunju & Dingani Moyo & Stephan Bose-O’Reilly & Nadine Steckling-Muschack & Antony Mamuse, 2022. "Accidents, Injuries, and Safety among Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Miners in Zimbabwe," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(14), pages 1-21, July.
    3. Boadi, Samuel & Osei-Tutu, Paul & Acquah, Emmanuel & Tenkorang, Mary, 2025. "Physical injuries among illegal miners in Ghana: Implications for attaining the sustainable development goals," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 104(C).
    4. Niladri Basu & Elisha P. Renne & Rachel N. Long, 2015. "An Integrated Assessment Approach to Address Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining in Ghana," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 12(9), pages 1-16, September.

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