Assessment of heat stress amongst artesenal small scale miners. A case study of Kitsiyatota

Author

Mutowembwa, Nyaradzai

Title

Assessment of heat stress amongst artesenal small scale miners. A case study of Kitsiyatota

Abstract

Temperatures have been increasing and impacts of climate warming are increasing the chances at which the workers are vulnerable to heat stress. In order to take care of workers health and safety, there is need to adapt to protection strategies. However, there is little to no concern taken to address this issue. At Kitsiyatota mining area, Artisanal miners have been exposed to heat stress because of the poor working conditions at the site as well as the intensiveness of the work. The primary purpose of the research is to assess the prevalence and causes of heat stress amongst small scale artisanal miners at Kitsiyatota. A cross sectional study design was used to carry out the research with the main purpose being to assess heat stress amongst small scale artisanal miners. A random sampling technique was used and a sample of 65 participants was used. Temperatures were collected and an analysis was done at the site for provision of water or shade. In order to determine the prevalence of heat stress amongst small scale artisanal miners. Using these data, exposure frequencies were computed using methods that are common in the industry. Higher temperature ranges were recorded with 74 percent of the workers’ body temperatures being above 37 degrees Celsius and from the findings it was clear that almost all of the artisanal miners were experiencing the effects of heat stress from heat cramp, fatigue, heat exhaustion to fatality. The lack of shade at the site, Lack of PPE and no water provision were also main contributions despite the effect of high temperatures. It was also noted that 75 percent of artisanal miners are not trained on heat stress, they do not have enough knowledge on how to protect themselves from heat stress and its effects. In addition to that, 47.7 percent work for 5 to 7 days a week with 41.1 percent also working 5 to 10 hours a day. This is clear evidence that there is high work intensity and not enough rest which are some of the factors leading to heat stress. In conclusion, there is no rest schedules, no adequate training, no water provision, no shade all these contributing to high temperatures of the body coupled with high intensity of work being done are the conditions for heat stress. There is need to set up some structures for the workers to rest, some water provision sources like tanks for the workers to drink. There is also need to educate these miners about the effects of heat stress and to teach them how to protect themselves against heat stress and its effects.

Date

May 2025

Publisher

BUSE

Keywords

Temperatures

Climate warming

Health and safety

Supervisor

Mr. Chiboyiwa, Elvis