The Implementation of the Hierarchical Hazard Control Model to Assess the Respiratory Protection of Quarry and Allied Workers in Namibia
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Date
2025
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Abstract
The increased risks of adverse respiratory outcomes among quarry and allied
workers are affected by high levels of cumulative dust exposure, which is a
significant concern in the occupational health sector in developing countries, like
Namibia. The study examines respiratory protection practices among quarry and
allied workers in Namibia, amidst rising concerns over occupational respiratory
disorders due to prolonged exposure to respirable dust. Using the Hierarchical
Hazard Control Model, the study assessed the Engineering Controls,
Administrative Controls, Educational/Training Programmes, and Medical
Surveillance Measures in dust controls for 304 quarry and allied workers in the
Erongo, Otjozondjupa, and Kunene regions. This study used self-administered
questionnaires to collect data from the quarry and allied workers, between
November and December 2022. A Chi-square (χ2) test was used to determine
the association between the level of employee respiratory protection and
individual factors significant at p=0.000. Findings showed a statistically significant
association between employee respiratory protection and employment status
(χ2(1) = 7.592, p = 0.000), job category (χ2(9) = 37.742, p = 0.000), educational
level (χ2(3) = 68.517, p = 0.000) and worksite (χ2(8) = 282.178, p = 0.001). A
strong positive correlation between worksite and respiratory protection (r=0.7,
p<0.01), negative correlation between worksite protection and education/training
programs (r=0.841, p<0.05) was found. The findings underscore a critical gap in
implementing effective engineering controls and training programs, increasing
Geography, Earth Science and Environment: Research Highlights Vol. 9
The Implementation of the Hierarchical Hazard Control Model to Assess the Respiratory Protection of
Quarry and Allied Workers in Namibia
201
the risk of respiratory illnesses among workers. In conclusion, the study revealed
that quarry and allied workers could not effectively implement engineering
controls to reduce workers' exposure to respirable dust due to the lack of an
occupational respiratory health framework, safety regulations and enforcement,
and education and training. The study also provided evidence that most allied
and quarry workers did not undergo the mandatory medical examination, as a
request of limited hazard control measures. Recommendations include a need
for an occupational respiratory health framework for quarry and allied workers to
ensure occupational respiratory health.
Effective government policy that will enhance occupational safety and health in
mining and quarrying is necessary for accident prevention in Namibia
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Keywords
Hierarchical hazard, respiratory diseases, quarry and allied workers, respiratory protection, occupational safety
Citation
Saima Shihepo, Roswitha Mahalie, & Omotayo Awofolu. (2025). The Implementation of the Hierarchical Hazard Control Model to Assess the Respiratory Protection of Quarry and Allied Workers in Namibia. Geography, Earth Science and Environment: Research Highlights. 9, 200–218. https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/geserh/v9/4943