Assessing the Effectiveness of Chemical Exposure Management Practices in Sierra Leone’s Mining Sector: A Case Study of Sierra Rutile Mines

Ibrahim Dumbuya; Mohamed Syed Fofanah; Bockarie Tiah

doi:10.18535/ijsrm/v12i11c01

Abstract

This study assessed the effectiveness of chemical exposure management practices in Sierra Leone's mining sector, focusing on the Sierra Rutile Mining Company. Utilizing a case study research design with both quantitative and qualitative methods, the research involved 70 workers from various departments, including the Mineral Separation Plant, Water Treatment Plant, Central Workshop, Laboratory, and Safety Department. Data were collected through semi-structured questionnaires and analyzed using SPSS and Excel.

The findings indicate that workers' awareness of chemical exposure risks is adequate but the implementation of the strategies to mitigate the chemical exposure risk, such as effective monitoring, supervision, continuous training and strict adherence to regulatory frameworks are inadequate and inefficient. The study also reveals a shortage of specialized chemical safety personnel and poor adherence to safety regulations by management. These conditions have contributed to severe health outcomes such as respiratory and dermal diseases, eye defects, heart issues, lung damage, kidney problems, skin rashes, and mental health issues.

The research concludes that chemical exposure significantly impacts workers’ health, and current management practices are insufficient. Recommendations include enhancing employee training on chemical safety, providing timely safety information, enforcing strict safety leadership, and improving regulatory compliance. Additionally, the study advises the government to prioritize research to support policy development. Future research should focus on health risk assessments, chemical toxicity, and the economic impact of chemical hazards.

Keywords

Chemical ExposureMining IndustryHealth SafetyToxic ChemicalsRegulatory Compliance

References

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[refR-1] Anderson, M., & Collins, J. (2021). Chemical exposure and worker mortality: A meta-analysis of global mining sites. Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 63(2), 75-89. https://doi.org/10.1097/JOM.0000000000002117DOI ↗Google Scholar ↗

[refR-2] International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM). (2022). Safety performance and chemical exposure control in mining. ICMM Annual Report. Retrieved from ICMM.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-3] International Labour Organization (ILO). (2021). Global review on occupational safety in mining. ILO Report on Health and Safety.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-4] Jones, D., Sutherland, K., & Harrington, M. (2020). Health and safety outcomes of chemical exposure in Australian mines. Occupational Medicine, 70(4), 255-262. https://doi.org/10.1093/occmed/kqaa015DOI ↗Google Scholar ↗

[refR-5] Jones, D., Sutherland, M., & Harrington, P. (2020). Impact of hazardous chemical exposure on respiratory health in Australian mines. Mining and Environmental Health Journal, 15(2), 98-112.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-6] Levy, B. S., Wegman, D. H., Baron, S. L., & Sokas, R. K. (2017). Occupational and environmental health: Recognizing and preventing disease and injury (7th ed.). Oxford University Press.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-7] Moyo, P., & Makoni, M. (2021). Challenges in chemical exposure management in Zimbabwean mining companies. African Journal of Environmental Science and Technology, 15(3), 123-131. https://doi.org/10.5897/AJEST2020.2909DOI ↗Google Scholar ↗

[refR-8] National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). (2018). Hierarchy of controls. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/hierarchy/Google Scholar ↗

[refR-9] Smith, J., & Whitelaw, K. (2019). Risk management practices in South African mines. Journal of Occupational Health and Safety in Mining, 12(4), 345-360.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-10] Smith, T., & Whitelaw, R. (2019). Implementation of risk management tools in South African mines: An evaluation. Safety Science, 116(1), 48-55. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssci.2019.03.002DOI ↗Google Scholar ↗

[refR-11] Williams, M., & Ngambi, S. (2018). Respiratory health impacts of sulfuric acid exposure in Zambian copper mines. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 15(6), 1100. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph15061100DOI ↗Google Scholar ↗

[refR-12] Zhang, L., Liu, J., Li, Y., & Chen, X. (2020). Systemic toxicity and reproductive health effects of mercury and arsenic in Chinese coal miners. Environmental Health Perspectives, 128(8), 87001. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP5849DOI ↗Google Scholar ↗