OP12
WE WORK BY GRACE”: OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH RISKS, HEALTH LITERACY, AND PREVENTIVE PRACTICES AMONG INFORMAL AUTO-MECHANICS IN THE SUAME MAGAZINE INDUSTRIAL CLUSTER, KUMASI, GHANA
- Mensah, University of Ghana Business School, Accra, Ghana
Ghana’s economy relies heavily on the informal sector, with the Suame Magazine industrial cluster in Kumasi representing one of West Africa’s largest concentrations of auto-mechanics. These workers operate in unregulated environments with continuous exposure to physical, chemical, and ergonomic hazards. While the risks are acknowledged, there is a scarcity of primary data examining the interplay between actual working conditions, health literacy, and preventive practices among this vulnerable population. This study aims to: (1) Characterize occupational health hazards in Suame Magazine workshops through direct environmental observation; (2) Assess the prevalence of self-reported occupational injuries and illnesses; (3) Evaluate occupational health literacy levels and their correlation with personal protective equipment (PPE) use; and (4) Explore workers’ perceptions and cultural beliefs regarding health, safety, and prevention in their daily work. A mixed-methods cross-sectional study will be conducted. A structured questionnaire will be administered to a randomly selected sample of 384 auto-mechanics to collect quantitative data on hazard exposure, injury history, PPE usage, and health literacy. Concurrently, qualitative data will be gathered through focus group discussions and in-depth interviews with mechanics and union leaders to understand socio-cultural and economic barriers to safe work practices. Observational checklists will document workplace conditions, including chemical storage, ventilation, and sanitation facilities.
