Occupational Health, Safety, and Environmental Impacts in Key Industrial Sectors of Sierra Leone: A Cross-sectoral Mixed-methods Study of Mining, Manufacturing, and Construction
Tunkara Ibrahim *
School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou, China.
Youyi Wu
School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou, China.
Peter Makieu
School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou, China and Department of Agribusiness Management, School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, Njala University, Freetown, Sierra Leone.
Sahr Stephen Newah
School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou, China and Department of Agribusiness Management, School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, Njala University, Freetown, Sierra Leone.
Neo Kebaswele
School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou, China and Department of Agribusiness Management, School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, Njala University, Freetown, Sierra Leone.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: Mining, manufacturing, and construction are important to Sierra Leone’s economy, but workers and nearby communities may face substantial occupational health, safety, and environmental risks.
Aims: This study assessed OHSE practices, health outcomes, environmental impacts, regulatory conditions, and community engagement across the three sectors.
Methods: A convergent parallel mixed-methods design was adopted. Quantitative data were collected through structured surveys of 500 stakeholders (workers, health and safety officers, management, representatives of ministries and civil society organisations, and community households) across seven districts. Qualitative data were obtained through key informant interviews and focus group discussions. Descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression were used for quantitative analysis; qualitative data were analysed thematically and triangulated with the survey findings.
Results: The three sectors exhibited substantial occupational health, safety, and environmental deficiencies. Musculoskeletal pain was present in 45.0% of all workers (60.0% in construction), respiratory symptoms were highest in mining (35.0%), and hearing impairment was reported by 25.0% of miners. Binary logistic regression identified safety training (coefficient = 1.924, p = 0.005) and supervisor enforcement (coefficient = 1.567, p = 0.008) as the most significant predictors of compliance with personal protective equipment requirements. Lack of safety budgets (mean rank = 1.56), lack of personal protective equipment (PPE) (mean rank = 2.08), and lack of training (mean rank = 2.65) emerged as the top systemic barriers.
Conclusions: Weak governance and inadequate resource allocation across the three sectors adversely affect workers' productivity, well-being, and environmental health. To develop a lasting safety culture in Sierra Leone's industrial sectors, mandatory safety training, increased occupational health, safety, and environmental budget allocations, stricter regulatory enforcement, and meaningful community involvement are necessary.
Keywords: Occupational health and safety, environmental health, mining, construction, manufacturing, personal protective equipment, regulatory compliance, community engagement, mixed-methods research.