The Determinants of Occupational Injuries among Workers at Gambia Ports Authority in Banjul, The Gambia

Abstract

Background: Port related work is known to be one of the most dangerous occupations that contribute to increasing occupational injuries in the world. Numerous work-related injuries occur at different levels in the workplace but as a result of lack of thorough standards, or unfamiliarity with the existing guidelines, people are not normally aware of such events and their actual or potential consequences on human health. In The Gambia as in any other developing country, not much attention is paid to occupational health and safety and adequate data has been absent for safety policies and measurement of impact. Objective: To explore the level of knowledge on occupational injuries among workers at Gambia Ports Authority, and also assess the safety standards and protocols used by the Gambia Ports Authority to prevent the occurrence of occupational injuries, among port workers. Method: The study was a descriptive cross-sectional study and used both qualitative and quantitative methods of generating data. Questionnaire comprising both open and close ended questions was used to collect relevant data and demographic information of the respondents. Purposive sampling method was used in selecting the ten (10) departments and simple random sampling used in selecting three hundred and twenty-eight (328) respondents, from whom information was gathered. An in-depth interview was conducted among key people at the head of management in different departments, with the aid of an interview guide. Data analysis: Data was coded and entered into SPSS version 20 for analysis. Frequency tables are displayed for demographic variables and in-depth interviews transcribed into main themes and sub-themes. The information on the prevalence and trend of occupational injury was gathered from clinic records. Results: Majority (84%) of the respondents had adequate knowledge on occupational injury and injury prevention, and most of them (87%) used PPE during work. However, the result suggest that as compared to workers who were married, those who were not married were more likely to have knowledge on occupational injury. With regards to the source of information on occupational injury, those who relied on their colleagues for information (OR 2.42, 95%CI: 1:15-5.08), were two times more likely to experience occupational injury). On the other hand, those who had information from health education (OR 2.08, 95%CI: 0.98-4.43) and other sources (OR 2.04, 95%CI: 0.49-8.3) were both two times less likely to experience occupational injury. Main factors that determined occupational injury included sex, source of information on occupational injury, and knowledge on the effects of injury. Information gathered from the interviewees had confirmed the availability of policies and safety standards, continuous training for workers, injury compensation and medical insurance for all full-time employees of Gambia Ports Authority. The study however, recommended the management of Gambia port to, institute proper work schedule and job shifting policies, adopt more modem technologies and education of workers' on the use of first aid during emergencies.