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| A welder operating without proper personal protective equipment (PPE) |
Welding is a vital trade in Ghana, powering countless industries and providing livelihoods for many.
However, an urgent and dangerous reality shadows this essential work.
According to a ResearchGate study, many welders in Ghana put themselves at risk of severe injuries and long-term health issues by not wearing necessary protective gear while working.
Welders in the informal sector are mostly faced with the consequences of it.
Prince Twumasi Ankrah, a welder who suffered some burns due to the absence of protective clothes, shared his ordeal.
“Because I wasn’t wearing any safety gear, I suffered severe burns, which landed me in the hospital for about 3 months.” He said.
Felix Kweku Ntim, a welder, also suffered similar consequences of welding without wearing PPE.
“As at now, i’m speaking, I’m using medical glasses because I was using my naked eye to weld. In the night, tears will be flowing from my eyes, and I feel burns,” He said.
Working without protective clothing exposes welders to extreme heat, ultraviolet radiation, flying sparks, and toxic fumes.
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| Welding risks involve toxic fumes and flying sparks. Source: Freepik |
These hazards cause burns, eye injuries, respiratory diseases, and chronic skin conditions.
Dr. Ronnel Owusu-Acquah, an optometrist at Bank Hospital, confirms the scope of the problem.
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| Dr. Ronnel Owusu-Acquah is an Optometrist at the Bank Hospital |
“The most common one we see is what we call, corneal foreign body. As they weld, those sparks get into their eyes and stick on the cornea.” He added.
According to him, prolonged exposure to welding lights without protection can cause arc eye, cataracts, and even blindness.
Emmanuel Damoah Nyarkoh, Director for safety campaign Ghana highlights the wider issues around occupational safety in Ghana’s informal welding sector.
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| Emmanuel Damoah Nyarkoh Director of Safety Campaign, Ghana |
“Many welders work without adequate safety systems, personal protective equipment, or formal training on best practices. This exposes not only welders but also people living near workshops to significant risks,” He explains.
Studies conducted in Ghana by Researchgate back up these concerns.
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| Work-related injuries reported by welders. Source:Researchgate.net |
Advances in Preventive Medicine show over 70% of Ghanaian welders face eye injuries without protective gear, along with skin burns and lung issues from toxic fumes.
Despite these dangers, the consistent use of protective clothing remains low, largely because of economic limitations and limited safety awareness.
Master Emmanuel, a welder, speaks to the difficult choices welders face.
“Safety gear costs money, which is already tight for many of us. The extreme heat also makes me uncomfortable, so I often skip wearing protective gear." He said.
The situation calls for urgent and comprehensive action.
Policymakers, industry leaders, and communities must collaborate to ensure that welders have access to affordable protective gear for informal welders, that occupational health regulations are strictly enforced, and that education campaigns raise awareness on welding safety.
Emmanuel Damoah further highlighted reasons for informal welders' neglect of safety gear and advised welders to prioritize safety measures.
Addressing these risks and implementing more safety campaigns, training programs, and supplying free tools and equipment to informal welders can significantly improve their safety practices and work efficiency.
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