Mining Practices and Health Risks Associated with Chromite Mine-Workers in District Killa-Saif-Ullah, Balochistan

Abstract

The key aims of the current study were to identify the mining practices, assess the health risks associated with chromite mining and evaluate the availability of workplace safety measures of chromite mineworkers of district killa Saifullah. Using the quantitative methods of inquiry, data was obtained from 250 mine workers selected through nonrandom convenient sampling from “Muslimbagh” the oldest site of mining in the district. It was found that there are very severe problems faced by mineworkers. The conditions of workplace safety are much below the internationally acceptable standards. 87% of the respondents do not have even access to the first aid facilities. 64% of the respondents do not have access to any safety equipment. Those who have safety equipments they only have gloves or timber. None of the workers have head gear or covering to protect injuries. So, the conditions of the workplace safety are extremely poor. Secondly, these poor safety arrangements result in different kinds of injuries, disabilities and diseases. It was reported by around 70% of the respondents that their work can lead to Lung’s cancer, tuberculosis, hypertension, headaches, nose and throat allergies and other respiratory conditions. Similarly, more than 80% of the respondents have agreed that their work can result in injuries and disabilities especially to backbone