Analysis of Injuries in the Ghanaian Mining Industry and Priority Areas for Research

Abstract

Background: Despite improvements in safety performance, the number and severity of mining-related injuries remain high and unacceptable, indicating that further reduction can be achieved. This study examines occupational accident statistics of the Ghanaian mining industry and identifies priority areas, warranting intervention measures and further investigations.

Methods: A total of 202 fatal and nonfatal injury reports over a 10-year period were obtained from five mines and the Inspectorate Division of the Minerals Commission of Ghana, and they were analyzed.

Results: Results of the analyses show that the involvement of mining equipment, the task being performed, the injury type, and the mechanism of injury remain as priorities. For instance, mining equipment was associated with 85% of all injuries and 90% of all fatalities, with mobile equipment, component/part, and hand tools being the leading equipment types. In addition, mechanics/repairmen, truck operators, and laborers were the most affected ones, and the most dangerous activities included maintenance, operating mobile equipment, and clean up/clearing.

Conclusion: Results of this analysis will enable authorities of mines to develop targeted interventions to improve their safety performance. To improve the safety of the mines, further research and prevention efforts are recommended.

Keywords: Accident; Injury analysis; Mining; Mining equipment.

Fig. 1

Injury statistics of the Ghanaian mining industry from 2004 to 2015.

Fig. 2

Fatality frequency rate of the mining industry of Ghana, Australia, and the USA.

Fig. 3

Process of screening and selection of reports for onward classification.

Fig. 4

A flowchart of classification and coding of selected injury reports.

Fig. 5

Injury severity of selected reports.

Fig. 6

Age distribution of injured miners based on employment and mine type.

Fig. 7

Age and mining experience of injured miners by injury category.

Fig. 8

Injury category based on employment and mine type.

Fig. 9

Job title of the injured at the time of the accident.

Fig. 10

Victim's activity and location of activity at the time of the accident.

Fig. 11

Shift start time and hours of work just before the accident occurred.

Fig. 12

Equipment-related injuries.

Fig. 13

Degree/severity of injuries by mine type.

Fig. 14

Percentage of injuries by time of the day during which the accidents occurred.

Fig. 15

The day of the week during which the accidents occurred.

Fig. 16

Surface and underground injury classes: accident type, body part injured, and nature and mechanism of injury.