Occupational Health and Safety Status in the Management of Faecal Sludge in Ghana: A Case Study of the Lavender Hill Faecal Treatment Plant

Faecal sludge management in Ghana has been undertaken in different scales using different methods for years. Each of these methods involves human intervention in one form or the other. Direct human-to-faecal matter contact cannot be avoided completely in faecal sludge treatment. However, the degree of contact depends on the finesse of technology employed. Also, emission of gaseous substances along the treatment value chain both as a direct result of the sludge or of chemicals being employed in the treatment process is another challenge. In whichever way the situation is looked at, all these processes will present occupational safety and health issues to workers and other stakeholders if not proactively regulated. Data was collected at five different levels using different instruments at Lavender Hill Faecal Treatment Plant operated by Sewerage Systems Ghana Ltd. was analyzed for this study. This was done to ascertain the status of Health and Safety Practices and worker risk and or hazard exposures in a typical faecal management in Ghana. It was realised that a very comprehensive safety management systems have been instituted to ensure protection for all. Activities at the plant are regulated by an approved written health and safety policy, environmental management policy and standard operating procedures documents. Physical structures have safety warning signs fixed on them where appropriate and the plant’s operations are supported with state-of-the-art technology – gas detectors, buoyancy devices around open tanks, supply of appropriate personal protective equipment, provision of sanitary facilities among others. Management of the plant considers health and safety of every person admitted to the site an utmost priority. This is demonstrated by management’s commitment to releasing funds and direct participation in safety programs. Awareness creation in the form of orientations and trainings is effectively communicated to all site patrons. Mental wellbeing of workers is ensured through a welfare system and a physical activity program. It is not surprising therefore that despite the extent of hazards associated with the faecal matter handling yet no serious incident, accident and or health related issues had yet been identified after more than a year of operation.