Self Reported Health Status of Ghana Cement Company (GHACEM) Workers in Tema and Takoradi

Abstract

Introduction: Construction activities in Ghana continues to increase in light of economic growth, population increase and urbanization with cement remaining the most preferred material for construction of buildings and this has increased the demand for cement in Ghana. Much of the cement used for construction is being produced in the country, presenting a lot of concerns for the health of cement workers in the country. Ghacem is the leading producer of cement in the country operating two grinding plants in Tema and Takoradi. Epidemiological studies have indicated that exposure to cement dust have health problems such as chronic cough and phlegm production, skin irritations and itching, runny eyes and irritation of the eyes. Cement factory workers are exposed to various health hazards during manufacturing and production processes with studies showing that these exposures have several health complications. The study purpose was to provide baseline information on the common health problems faced by cement workers in the country. Methods: A total of 156 cement workers completed a survey giving information about their health history, behavioural habits and occupational exposure and safety. Univariate analysis was expressed as frequencies and percentages. Association between health status and behavioural factors, use of personal protective equipments and the duration of work and between the health conditions and the different working groups was determined at 95% CL. Results: For this study 156 cement workers participated and from the data, the most common health problems include burning, runny and itchy eyes (41.0%), fatigue (32.7%), sneezing (32.1%) and stuffy nose (30.0%) with the least complaint being stomach ache (16.0%). There was no significant association between smoking history (χ2 (1,n=156)=2.537, p=0.281) and alcoholic beverage consumption (χ2 (1,n=156)=1.414, p=0.493) and health status of study participants. Out of the 156 study participants who were aware of workplace hazards, 29.1% said dust was the most common work place hazard, and the least common hazards on their health. Majority of the study participants, 59%, 28.8%, 34.6%, 34.6%, 43.6%, 49.4% and 30.8% reported use of protective overall, face protection, goggles, safety gloves, safety boots, helmets and ear protection respectively. The data showed that there was significant association between the use of protective overall and the health status (χ2 (1,n=156)=13.821, p=0.001) among participants whereas there was no significant association with the other personal protective equipments used and their health status. Complaints of skin irritations and itching were significantly associated with workers in the technical group (χ2 (1,n=156)=6.132, p=0.047). The data from this study shows that there was no significant association between duration of work and health status (χ2 (1,n=156)=0.048, p=0.976). The use of protective overall participants whiles working was seen to be significantly associated with their health status (p=0.03): participants who use protective overall are about 4 times more likely to be healthier than those who do not. (CI 1.179-15.956) Conclusion: From the study the common health problems encountered by cement workers included burning, runny and itchy eyes, fatigue, stuffy nose, sneezing and muscle aches with protective overall being an effective means of improving health status. This study documenting baseline information on the health status of cement workers would provide the avenue for additional work to be carried out using special tools and equipments to provide detailed and adequate information about their health status. Keywords: Ghana, cement workers, health status, personal protective equipments