Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders among Workers at Gold Mine Industry in Ghana: Prevalence and Patterns of Occurrence

Background: Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WRMSDs) constitutes major constraint to optimal performance among workers. However, information about its prevalence and pattern of occurrence among Ghanaians working in gold mine industries remain insufficient.

Objective: To determine the prevalence of WRMSDs among workers of AngloGold Ashanti (AGA)-Obuasi mine.

Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 28-point self-administered questionnaire modified from the Standardized Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. Quota sampling was applied using ratios according to the number of workers in each department. Data were analysed with descriptive and inferential statistics at alpha level of .05.

Results: Two hundred and five (205) workers participated in the cross-sectional survey. 12-month prevalence of WRMSD was 85.5% and low-back had the highest percentage 178 (30.0%) as regards the affected body segments. Fifty seven (30.7%) reported that pain or discomfort had prevented them from working optimally and 28 (13.7%) of the respondents have had to change the area or specialty of their work as a result of WRMSDs. Seventy six (23.1%) and 51 (24.9%) of the respondents indicated accidental falls from a height and working in the same position for long periods as moderate and severe risk factors respectively. Nature of work engagement was significantly associated (χ2 =27.73 P<.001) with the incidence of WRMSDs.

Conclusion: There was a high prevalence of WRMSDs among workers in AGA-Obuasi mine industry. Occurrence of the disorders was observed to be closely linked with the nature of service rendered by the workers. This outcome should therefore inform the preventive strategies required to curtail its occurrence.