Child Labor in Ghana Cocoa Production: Focus upon Agricultural Tasks, Ergonomic Exposures, and Associated Injuries and Illnesses
| Autor: | L. Diane Mull, Steven R. Kirkhorn |
|---|---|
| Rok vydání: | 2005 |
| Předmět: |
Employment
Male Adolescent Psychological intervention Poison control Life skills Ghana Occupational safety and health Interviews as Topic 03 medical and health sciences 0302 clinical medicine Occupational Exposure Environmental health Injury prevention Humans Medicine 030212 general & internal medicine Child Personal protective equipment Cacao 030505 public health business.industry Public Health Environmental and Occupational Health Human factors and ergonomics Focus group Agricultural Workers' Diseases Hazardous Child Labor Wounds and Injuries Female Ergonomics 0305 other medical science business |
| Zdroj: | Public Health Reports. 120:649-655 |
| ISSN: | 1468-2877 0033-3549 |
| DOI: | 10.1177/003335490512000613 |
| Popis: | Objectives. The goal of this study was to determine the occupational hazards experienced by children harvesting cocoa in western Ghana in order to design a vocational literacy life skills curriculum and radio social messaging campaign with a safety component to decrease hazardous work exposures in child agricultural work. Methods. An observational analysis was conducted of children aged 9 through 17 based upon personal interviews of agricultural workers, focus groups, and direct observation of work practices and activities. Job site analysis incorporated task mapping, job hazard review, and a review of equipment and use of protective gear. Results. Children and young people aged 9 through 17 are exposed to hazardous occupational exposures including strenuous work, sharp tools, and pesticides. Lack of training in proper safety practices and inadequate personal protective equipment were commonly noted. Injuries and illnesses included musculoskeletal disorders, sprains, strains, lacerations to the head, fractures, eye injuries, rashes, and coughing. Conclusion. Children working in cocoa harvesting are exposed to physical and chemical hazards without proper training or personal protective equipment. Unless safety interventions occur, there are potential long-term adverse health consequences. |
| Databáze: | OpenAIRE |
| Externí odkaz: |
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