Environmental Assessment and Adherence to Occupational Safety Regulations in Stone Quarries in Gusau Metropolis, Zamfara State, Northwest Nigeria

Abstract

Hazards generated in the process of quarrying stones include noise and particulate matter (PM) among others. This study measured environmental hazards and adherence to occupational safety and health (OSH) regulations in stone quarries in Gusau in a cross-sectional study conducted in the quarries of Gusau in August 2022. Environmental assessment was conducted using a noise level meter, and air quality detector. Achecklist was used to assess adherence to OSH regulations in the quarries and data were presented in tables. Ethical clearance was obtained from Zamfara State Ministry of Health. The mean PM2.5, PM10 and noise levels for the quarries were 75.0 ± 9.8µg/m3, 186.7 ± 8.7 and 102.7 ± 6.2 dBA respectively. The average afternoon temperature was 40.9 ± 2.2 0 C. There was poor adherence to OSH regulations in the quarries. This study revealed the presence of unhealthy and poor levels of PM, noise beyond the recommended exposure limit (REL) and poor adherence to OSH regulations in quarries in Gusau. Regulatory authorities and quarry employers should educate and enforce adequate safety training of the workers on the risks of  hazards they are exposed to, and ensure adequate implementation of the regulations in all the quarries.