TY  - JOUR
PY  - 2022//
TI  - Accidents, injuries, and safety among artisanal and small-scale gold miners in Zimbabwe
JO  - International journal of environmental research and public health
A1  - Singo, Josephine
A1  - Isunju, John Bosco
A1  - Moyo, Dingani
A1  - Böse-O'Reilly, Stephan
A1  - Steckling-Muschack, Nadine
A1  - Mamuse, Antony
SP  - e8663
EP  - e8663
VL  - 19
IS  - 14
N2  - Artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) employs 14–19 million people globally. There is limited research on accidents, injuries, and safety in Zimbabwe’s ASGM. This study investigates the prevalence of accidents and injuries, as well as the associated risks and existing safety practices. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among artisanal and small-scale gold miners. Data from 401 participants were analyzed using descriptive statistics and regression analysis. The prevalence of accidents and injuries was 35.0% and 25.7%. Accidents associated with experiencing injuries included mine collapses and underground trappings. The major injury risk factors were digging, blasting, being male, being 18–35 years old, crushing, and the underground transportation of workers and materials. Injuries were reported highest among the miners working 16 to 24 h per day. Participants had heard about personal protective equipment (PPE). There was training and routine inspections mainly on PPE use. Mine owners and supervisors were reported as responsible for OSH, which was mainly PPE use. Practices including the use of wire winch ropes and escape routes were rare. There was ignorance on underground mine shaft support. The mining regulations that had the potential to introduce comprehensive safety controls were not adaptable. We recommend applicable health and safety regulations for Zimbabwe’s ASGM.<p />  <p>Language: en</p>
LA  - en
SN  - 1661-7827
UR  - http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19148663
ID  - ref1
ER  -