Factors influencing compliance with occupational safety regulations and requirements among artisanal and small-scale miners in central sakwa ward, siaya county

Abstract

The paper emanates from a larger study on occupational safety compliance in artisanal and small-scale gold mines in Siaya County, Kenya. One of the key objectives of the study was to establish the factors influencing compliance with occupational safety regulations and requirements, among artisanal and small-scale miners in the study area. The study utilized a proportionate random sampling design to draw a sample of 97 miners. Primary data were obtained mainly through field interviews, observations and photography while secondary data were obtained from published and unpublished sources. Data were analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistical tools. Research findings indicate that compliance with occupational safety regulations and requirements is influenced by awareness of the regulations and requirements, the use and cost of personal protective equipment, gender and administrative failure/incompetence. The study concludes that that the non-compliance factors need to be urgently addressed through appropriate policy, legal and institutional interventions.