Adherence to Occupational Health and Safety Practices at Konkola Copper Mines, Chililabombwe District Zambia
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Date
2023
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University of Lusaka
Abstract
In the majority of emerging nations, the modern period of globalization, fast industrialization, and urbanization have emerged as twin brothers. ILO standards on occupational safety and health provide essential tools for governments, employers, and workers to establish safe practices for providing maximum safety at work. The ISO 45001 standard serves as the foundation for the mining sector's occupational health and safety management systems in Zambia. It is probable that about 2.2 million people die annually from work related accidents and diseases, and a further 270 million workers fall victims of nonfatal occupational injuries. This results in substantial human and economic costs to
workers and their families, employers, and society. The objective of this study was to assess the occupational health and safety practices at konkola copper mines. A facility based cross-sectional study was used among KCM
underground miners prior to the study in 2023 in Chililabombwe district. A structure questionnaire was used to collect data. The data was analysed using STATA. The minimum age of respondents was 22 years old and the maximum was 56 years old with the mean age of 36.8 (SD=6.8) years. The majority of the participants 90(23.7%) were between 31-40 years old. Females were the most responds who adhered to occupational health and safety guidelines 43(82.69) compared to males with (28.57). The majority of respondents attended Primary (50.00) education level who adhered to occupational health and safety guidelines compared to those who attended secondary and
university (33.33) and (16.67) respectively. The study concluded that there was awareness of emergency procedures and accident reporting and investigation vital for some enhancement. In general, the findings emphasize the significance of continuous education and preparation to maintain a safe and sound workplace, as well as the importance of ongoing observation and evaluation of workplace security strategies and practice. It may be necessary to enforce stricter adherence to safety guidelines and the use of personal protective equipment in order to improve safety and cut down on accidents. Training on safety rules and how to use personal protective equipment (PPE) should be given more frequently and more thoroughly.
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Research Report Public Health