The Risk of Pulmonary Disease and Other Health Hazards Among Small Scale Stone Quarry Workers

Abstract

The evaluation of occupational health and safety hazards among quarry workers are relevant because of the number of high-risk activities involved. Ghana has witnessed various quarry accidents and health complaints associated with quarrying activities which have not been addressed. A cross sectional descriptive study was therefore conducted aimed at assessing the occupational health related problems of Miotso quarry workers in the Ningo-Prampram district of Ghana. Simple random sampling was employed in the selection of the respondents from a population of adult quarry workers. Data on socio-demographic profiles and health related conditions were obtained. The study sort to relate the duration of time spent in the quarry with the incidence of pulmonary problems and other health conditions. Results indicated that the frequency of carrying out the quarrying activities was between 4 to 6 days and majority of the respondents carried out activities on a 24 h schedule. Ninety percent of the respondents did not use protective clothing whilst at work. Respondents, 63.3%, 45% and 58% reported of symptoms of persistent coughs, shortness of breath and chest pains respectively. Other health related conditions reported included; muscle pain (91.7%), weight loss (83.3%), fatigue (96.7%), skin irritations (30%) and eye irritation (53.3%). X ray diffraction analysis of rock samples from the quarry site revealed the presence of crystalline silica, aluminum silicate hydroxide, potassium silicate hydroxide and quartz which are known to cause respiratory problems over prolonged exposure.