The Impact Of Port Operations On The Health And Safety Of Dockworkers At The Port Of Tema

Abstract

This study examined the impact of port operations on the health and safety of dockworkers at the Port of Tema. Specifically, it sought to find out dockworkers' perception of health and safety risks, the prevalent health and safety risks at the Port of Tema, and how such risks impact on the health and safety of the dockworkers. By means of two sets of questionnaires designed for 100 dockworkers on one hand and 5 health and safety managers on the other, qualitative and quantity data were collected and analyzed by means of Microsoft Excel 2010. The study found that the various shipping organizations had in place health and safety management policies, of which 61% of the dockworkers were aware. Although the health and safety managers were 72% sure that a port-worker would put on a health and safety gear while at work, 71% and 91% of the dockworkers had worked without putting on safety and protective gears respectively, in spite of the prevalence of hazards such as noise, trips and falls, falls from heights and exposure to dangerous chemicals. Port operations had also affected the health and safety of 63% of dockworkers, while 72% had also been involved in workplace accidents before, out of which 64% resulted in injuries. Medical records at the GPHA Clinic also indicated that 38% of dockworkers who reported at the clinic had suffered musculoskeletal diseases, 28% diseases of the respiratory system, 24% diseases of the circulatory system and 10% mental and behavioural disorders. Among other things, the study recommends that the health and safety managers should effectively supervise the dockworkers to ensure they comply with the health and safety rules and regulations, provide the dockworkers with healthy and safe working environment and institute a periodic but regular medical screening for the dockworkers.