ASSESSMENT OF SAFETY PRACTICES IN WOOD WORKSHOPS AND SMALLSCALE SAWMILLS

ABSTRACT 

The aim of this study was to investigate and find out the possible ways of reducing the causes of sawmills and woodwork shops accident such as fractures, strains, cuts, bruises and diseases in some selected wood workshops and sawmills within Bolgatanga – Navrongo Municipalities. Several studies have been conducted on occupational health and safety in the wood processing industries in Ghana and elsewhere. The reports of these studies indicate that wood workers are exposed to various types and degrees of accidents ranging from cuts to loss of eyesight. It was therefore expedient that the researcher brought to bear measures that would ensure that woodworkers work in safe and healthy conditions. The study adopted a case study approach with the researcher’s scope being the Bolgatanga Navrongo Municipality. The population used for the study were the managers and employees of woodwork and machinists of Bolgatanga Navrongo Municipality. One hundred and twenty managers, supervisors and employees were used as the sample for the study. The researcher used interviews, questionnaire and on-site observations as the data collection instruments for the study. The results of the study revealed that majority of the woodworkers had been involved in accidents. Injuries were mostly incurred on the hand and fingers resulting in loss of fingers. Majority of the woodworkers had not been provided with safety clothing equipment such as gloves/mittens, goggles, ear plugs, nose and mouth mask. Finally, the study revealed that woodworkers had attended training with regards to safety on their jobs. However, have  failed with majority failing to apply knowledge acquired in their works. The researcher recommends that a comprehensive policy document on health and safety in wood processing companies is provided by wood processing companies. Moreover, frantic efforts must be made to provide protective equipment for woodworkers to help reduced the occurrence of accident if not totally eliminated.