Occupational Health and Safety Practices Among Fish Processors in Kumasi Metropolitan Area. Ghana

Fish processors are ensnared with health and safety problems which need redress because of the effect on their livelihood. This study sought to assess Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) practices among fish processors in the Kumasi Metropolis. Primary data were obtained from 130 fish processors located at Subin sub-metropolitan area. The survey revealed that the fish processors were exposed to smoke, extreme temperatures, fire, ergonomic and psychosocial hazards. Despite their exposure to these hazards, the use of personal protective equipment was low. Exposure to these hazards had resulted in 36.2% of fish processors sustaining injuries and 58.5% suffering from diseases in 2016. The most reported work-related injuries and diseases were burns, fall injuries, musculoskeletal injuries, respiratory diseases, hypertension and eye diseases. In 2016 the fish processors lost 7.0% of their total annual income to work-related injuries and diseases. Issues concerning health and safety at the workplace were mainly left in the hands of the fish processors because institutional intervention was very low. The leaders of the fish processors should liaise with OHS experts to build the capacity of their members on health and safety and also encourage them to purchase modern fish smoking kiln which has the potential of reducing their exposure to smoke.