Risk Factors Associated with Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining in Rosterman, Kakamega, Kenya
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Date
2020
Authors
Makokha, Winnie Rabera
Nyamari, Jackim Matara
Makau, Isaac K.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Scientific & Academic Publishing
Abstract
Occupational injuries, though preventable, have been described as a major public health problem. In artisanal
and small-scale gold mining (ASGM), little is known about the risk factors to injuries. In 2018, we examined injuries and the
potential risk factors among ASGM workers in Rosterman, Kakamega County, Kenya. A descriptive cross-sectional survey
was conducted and three hundred and thirteen (313) ASGM workers were interviewed regarding their occupational injuries
experiences over the preceding 1 year. Data was collected using structured interviewer administered questionnaires with the
aid of open data kit (ODK) platform. Injury rates were estimated at 44.7 injuries per 100 person years. The most affected body
parts were hands, upper and lower limbs at 62.14%, 30% respectively. The risk factors associated with injuries included;
having an alternative source of income (p=0.027), an individual personal safety culture (p=0.021) and use of hammer or
mallet as tools (p=0.022). In conclusion, injuries are prevalent among ASGM workers with several body parts being affected,
the upper limbs being the most commonly affected. The study also demonstrated that there are various risk factors associated
with injuries in ASGM. In view of those findings, the study recommends that injury prevention should be made a priority in
ASGM intervention programs in order to reduce the burden of occupational injuries and also sensitize the workers on the risk
factors they are exposed to.
Description
article
Keywords
Artisanal small-scale gold mining, ASGM, ASM, Occupational injuries, Mining, Occupational health and safety, Rosterman, Kakamega
Citation
Makokha, W. (2020). Risk Factors Associated with Artisanal and Small-scale Gold Mining in Rosterman, Kakamega, Kenya. Winnie Rabera Makokha, Jackim Matara Nyamari, Isaac K. Makau, Risk Factors Associated with Artisanal and Small-scale Gold Mining in Rosterman, Kakamega, Kenya, International Journal of Prevention and Treatment, 9(1), 1-8.