Determinants of Compliance with Occupational Safety Standards among Artisanal Miners in Chingola District, Zambia

Aaron  Moyo; Kampamba Chibesa

doi:10.59413/ajocs/v6.i6.6

Authors

Aaron Gomezya Moyo Graduate School of Business, University of Zambia Author
Kampamba Chibesa, PhD Institute of Distance Education, University of Zambia Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.59413/ajocs/v6.i6.6

Keywords:

Artisanal mining, safety compliance, occupational health, regulatory enforcement

Abstract

Artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) remains a critical livelihood source in Chingola District, Zambia, contributing significantly to local economies. However, compliance with occupational safety standards among artisanal miners remains persistently low, resulting in frequent preventable injuries and fatalities. This study investigates the socio-economic, institutional, behavioral, and cultural determinants influencing adherence to safety protocols. Grounded in the Health Belief Model (HBM) and Institutional Theory, a sequential explanatory mixed-methods approach was employed, combining surveys (n=150), interviews (n=20), and field observations. Findings reveal that economic hardship, insufficient training, weak regulatory enforcement, and entrenched cultural perceptions significantly hinder compliance. The study recommends integrated interventions, including localized safety education, community-led enforcement strategies, and economic incentives. These findings contribute to the broader global discourse on informal mining safety and offer actionable insights for national policy frameworks aimed at enhancing occupational health in resource-dependent communities.

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