Knowledge, Attitude, Behavior Practices and Compliance of Workers Exposed to Respirable Dust in a Zambian Copper Mine

Abstract

Work in the copper mining industry is often associated with exposure to respirable dust and respirable crystalline silica. This exposure has the potential to cause silicosis, an incurable occupational respiratory lung disease. This study aimed at establishing the relationship between knowledge, attitudes, work behavioral practices and compliance with safety standards and workers’ exposure to respirable dust. A cross-sectional descriptive survey was conducted on 528 mine workers. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used for the descriptives. Structural equation modeling (SEM) with latent variables and partial least squares (LVPLS) analysis were employed to determine the relationship among these variables. The results indicated that of the four hypotheses, two were supported, and two were rejected, showing that there is a significant relationship between exposure to respirable dust and work behavioral practices, as well as compliance with safety standards. Knowledge and attitudes toward respirable dust exposure did not significantly influence exposure. According to the results from the survey, positive work behavioral practices as well as compliance with safety standards were significantly associated with exposure to respirable dust. It is recommended that mines should focus on the miners’ work behavioral practices and compliance with safety standards.

From Engineered Stone Slab to Silicosis: A Synthesis of Exposure Science and Medical Evidence

“…Dust exposure control is the only way to prevent workers from developing silica-related diseases; as highlighted above, dust control measures range in their effectiveness according to the hierarchy of controls. However, the effectiveness of these methods is also dependent on how they are used and/or maintained by workers, which in turn is associated with the knowledge, attitudes and behaviour of workers in workplaces [ 55 , 56 ]. A range of studies in different countries such as Vietnam [ 57 ], India [ 58 , 59 ], Spain [ 60 ], and China [ 61 ] consistently demonstrated that educated workers who are given adequate information and training were likely to be aware of the harmful outcomes of occupational exposure to silica dust [ 56 ], and therefore more willing to comply with health standards and regulations [ 62 , 63 ].…”

“…However, the effectiveness of these methods is also dependent on how they are used and/or maintained by workers, which in turn is associated with the knowledge, attitudes and behaviour of workers in workplaces [ 55 , 56 ]. A range of studies in different countries such as Vietnam [ 57 ], India [ 58 , 59 ], Spain [ 60 ], and China [ 61 ] consistently demonstrated that educated workers who are given adequate information and training were likely to be aware of the harmful outcomes of occupational exposure to silica dust [ 56 ], and therefore more willing to comply with health standards and regulations [ 62 , 63 ]. Moreover, educating workers has a direct impact on their proper use of prevention practices such as the effective use of personal protective respiratory equipment, which may prevent worsening of pulmonary function due to reduced dust exposure [ 64 ].…”