Occupational Hazards, Injuries And Illnesses Associated With Gold Mining. A Case Of Renco Mine, Zimbabwe

ABSTRACT

The main objective of this study was to assess the occupational hazards, injuries and illnesses

associated with gold mining at Renco Mine. Field observations, interviews, questionnaires

and secondary data sources obtained at the company SHE department were data sources used

by the researcher. A purposive sampling technique was employed in choosing the General

Manager, SHE manager, Mine captain and the Human Resources Manager for interviewing

as key informants. Stratified random sampling technique was used in sub dividing Renco

Mine employees into different departments. 120 respondents were then randomly selected

from the different departments to be a representative of the whole population. The hazards

that were identified during the research included physical, mechanical, psychosocial and

chemical hazards. It was also discovered that these hazards were jeopardizing the lives and

welfare of workers at Renco Mine since they resulted in injuries for example lacerations,

amputations, contusions, fractures and burns as well as illnesses like stomach problems, high

cough, asthma, back problems and tuberculosis. It was revealed that the company had put in

place measures like OSH training and auditing, SHE talks and meetings, dust suppression

equipment as well as PPEs to prevent employees from falling victims of occupational

hazards. The study recommends that Renco Mine management should adopt off the job

training of SHE representatives and supervisors as well as adequate provision of PPEs to all

its workers which are suitable for a specific job.