Situational Assessment of Noise and Ergonomic Factors in Welding Activities: Implications on the Well-Being of Ghanaian Informal Auto-Mechanics

This study assessed the noise and ergonomics factors associated with the welding operations of Ghanaian informal-auto-mechanics and the implications it has on their personal well-being and productivity. Using the 2014 OSHA Hazards Assessment Checklist, the noise and ergonomics factors associated with welding operations in three selected shops were firstly assessed expertly. This was followed by interviews with the informal-auto-mechanics, using the checklist as interview-guide. The results showed that welding operations in all the shops were very noisy, with operators oblivious to the health hazards of their noisy operations. Additionally, all the informal-auto-mechanics’ reported ergonomics constraint in their welding operations, manifested as musculoskeletal disorders caused by inappropriate work postures, repetitive-motion and insufficient pause-periods in tasks performance. It is concluded that Ghanaian informal-auto-mechanics’ are oblivious of occupational hazards associated with their welding activities caused by noise and ergonomics constraints, and the negative consequence they have on their personal well-being and work productivity.