Research Article
Level of Awareness on Prevention of Injuries Among Soapstone Mine Workers in Tabaka, Kisii County, Kenya
Issue:
Volume 13, Issue 6, December 2025
Pages:
330-337
Received:
26 October 2025
Accepted:
8 November 2025
Published:
9 December 2025
Abstract: Mining is an industry that significantly contributes to the improvement of economic growth and development in many countries. The global rates of occupational injuries, illnesses and fatalities associated with mining are alarming. The international Labour Organization (ILO) estimates that quarrying activities accounts for 8% of the world work related fatalities. Quarrying in Kenya creates employment opportunities, support local construction and a major source of national economy. Kisii County is enriched with soapstone resources in Tabaka which are mined and carved to form different sculptures that are sold both locally and internationally. Despite the enactment of legal and institutional frameworks many workers in different sectors work in the presence of occupational hazards which lead to huge burden of accidents, and occupational injuries. The objective of the study was to assess the level of awareness on prevention of injuries among soapstone mine workers in Tabaka, Kisii County, Kenya. The research adopted cross sectional design from a population of 222 soapstone mine workers from five selected registered self-help groups involved in mining and carving of soapstone products. A sample of 174 was proportionately randomly selected from the five self-help groups. Structured questionnaires were used to collect data on nature and frequency of accidents and awareness on prevention measures on occupational hazards. An interview was conducted with the quarry managers and key informants involved in occupational safety and health. An observational checklist was used to record how quarry activities were performed. Data collected was cleaned, coded, tabulated and subjected to statistical analysis using SPSS version 21.0. It was established that 43.1% of the miners were involved in the main activity of cutting of soapstone into different sizes and shapes. More than half, 58.6% of the miners were aware mining has occupational hazards but were not trained (63.8%) to identify occupation hazards. Respondents were aware of use of protective equipment 55.2% but 53.3% had not been trained on occupational health and safety with 53.4% soapstone miners not reporting the accidents. The study revealed statistical significance on training and identification of hazards (p<0.001), awareness on prevention of occupation injuries (p<0.001), wearing PPE (p<0.001), type of PPE (p=0.017) and trainer of OSH with awareness on prevention of occupation injuries. The study concluded that the respondents could identify occupational health and safety hazards and related effects of soapstone quarrying activities. However, soapstone mine workers lacked awareness on prevention of injuries and occupation safety.
Abstract: Mining is an industry that significantly contributes to the improvement of economic growth and development in many countries. The global rates of occupational injuries, illnesses and fatalities associated with mining are alarming. The international Labour Organization (ILO) estimates that quarrying activities accounts for 8% of the world work relat...
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Research Article
Assessment of Blood Lead Level and Knowledge of Health Hazards, Safety Practices and Work Habits Amongst Battery Technicians in Nigeria
Issue:
Volume 13, Issue 6, December 2025
Pages:
338-347
Received:
5 November 2025
Accepted:
19 November 2025
Published:
17 December 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.sjph.20251306.13
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Abstract: Battery technicians who repair lead-acid batteries are consistently exposed to elemental lead, which poses a significant occupational health risk. This exposure is associated with an elevated risk of developing serious lead related diseases and long-term disability. Understanding the interplay between occupational practices, knowledge of hazards, and actual lead exposure is critical for developing effective public health interventions in this high-risk occupational group. The primary objective of this study was to comprehensively assess the blood lead levels (BLLs) of battery technicians, and evaluate their current knowledge of lead health hazards, their attitude towards preventive measures, their adherence to safety practices, and their general work habits. This investigation employed a descriptive cross-sectional study design. The study population comprised a total of 150 currently active battery technicians operating within a defined geographical area. Data collection was performed using a structured, pre-tested, self-administered questionnaire. This instrument gathered information on socio-demographics, detailed knowledge of lead's health hazards, specific safety practices utilized, and daily work and personal hygiene habits. The BLLs were concurrently measured for all participants using an appropriate laboratory technique. Statistical analysis, including the Chi-square test, was performed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), version 20, to test for significant associations, with the significance level set at p≤0.05. Analysis of the data revealed that a substantial proportion of the technicians exhibited elevated BLLs. Key findings indicated that knowledge regarding the appropriate use of a rubber apron, attitude towards the inhalation of lead fumes, and the crucial habit of face washing before eating/smoking were all significantly associated with the measured blood lead level of the battery technicians (p≤0.05). These results underscore that specific behavioral practices directly correlate with the biological burden of lead exposure. The study concludes that there is an urgent need to improve occupational hygiene and health literacy among battery technicians. It is strongly recommended that workplaces ensure the provision and mandatory use of personal protective equipment (PPE), particularly rubber aprons and face masks. Furthermore, intensified health education and regular training on the proper use of PPE, the provision of readily available running water at all workplaces for personal hygiene, and targeted behavioral change communication are essential strategies that will promote consistent personal hygiene habits and, ultimately, reduce the significant occupational lead burden for this vulnerable workforce.
Abstract: Battery technicians who repair lead-acid batteries are consistently exposed to elemental lead, which poses a significant occupational health risk. This exposure is associated with an elevated risk of developing serious lead related diseases and long-term disability. Understanding the interplay between occupational practices, knowledge of hazards, a...
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,
Alex Ontiri
