Occupational Health and Safety Issues among Artisans in the Bibiani Municipality
This study sought to identify and document key issues affecting occupational health and safety
among artisans in the informal sector in the Bibiani Municipality of the Western North Region of Ghana. To
realize this objective, a descriptive cross-sectional study using the qualitative approach was employed. This
was done after ethical clearance had been obtained from the Ghana Health Service Ethics Committee and prior
consent sought from all participants and managers of the study sites. A total of fifteen artisans participated in
the study. The artisans spanned three major categories namely: fabrication, construction, and auto mechanic. A
semi-structured interview guide was used to obtain responses from the participants through in-depth
interviews. Valuable notes were also made from observations during the interview process. Data from the
interview were transcribed, coded, and analyzed thematically. Firstly, most respondents displayed adequate
knowledge on the concept of occupational health and safety especially in the area of hazard identification.
Secondly, most of the respondents showed positive attitudes toward occupational health and safety. This was
evident in their expressed prioritization of occupational safety among all other factors needed to be productive
at work. Thirdly, the artisans exhibited an appreciable level of occupational safety practices. Each respondent
used at least one PPE on a regular basis. Finally, it was observed that emergency preparedness of the
respondents in the area of first aid responses and fire outbreak management was inadequate. The findings
showed that there is more room for improvement for the artisans in the informal sector with regard to their
knowledge, attitudes, and utilization of safe practices. There must be regular training for artisans to help
update their knowledge and practices on occupational health and safety issues. The district and municipal
authorities together with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) must organize such trainings on a
regular basis for artisans. Artisans must be strongly encouraged to join well-organized associations to make
such trainings effective. There must be a national law targeting occupational health and safety issues for
workers in the informal sector, with an enforcement regime visible at the local level. This will help improve
compliance and minimize the incidents of workplace injuries and ill-health.
