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Background: Although provision of sanitary facilities in workplaces is an important issue, very few studies have been undertaken in this regard., Objective: This study assessed the provision of sanitary facilities for market traders and their perceptions of the provided facilities in Lusaka district Zambia., Methods: A cross-sectional study of workplace observations in 12 randomly selected markets and interviews with 386 traders, conducted in Lusaka district., Findings: The study revealed that eleven of the twelve markets provided toilets, hand-washing and drying facilities, water, urinals, soap, and toilet paper. However, most of the markets did not comply with the Zambian laws in terms of the adequacy and privacy of facilities. One market did not have any of the listed facilities. Most traders perceived facilities to be unsatisfactory and used them only because of the lack of alternatives. Poor provision of sanitary facilities was observed at markets thus predisposing its workforce and trading population to multiple public health hazards., Conclusions: The findings of this study call for urgent investments in sanitary structures and surveillance systems to guarantee the safety of the population and to promote the health of market traders as well as the community at large., Competing Interests: The authors have no competing interests to declare., (Copyright: © 2021 The Author(s).)

Limestone processing is a global industry, but few studies have assessed respiratory health among limestone workers. At a limestone factory in Zambia, the authors studied 70 high-exposed workers from the production department, 40 medium-exposed from engineering, and 30 low-exposed from administration. A modified British Medical Research Council respiratory questionnaire was used for recording chronic respiratory symptoms. The prevalence of symptoms was highest among the production workers. After adjusting for age, smoking, previous jobs, and past respiratory diseases, the production workers still had a significantly increased relative risk for cough day and night, cough 4 to 6 times daily in a month, and cough with sputum. The results indicate that exposure to limestone dust is associated with increased prevalence of respiratory symptoms. Until newer technology is installed, proper use of personal protective equipments should be emphasized., (Copyright © 2011 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC)

Background: The metal mining industry employs approximately 15% of formally employed workers in Zambia, but there is little information about the magnitude of occupational injuries among the miners., Aims: To determine the frequency rates of occupational injuries and fatalities among copper miners in Zambia., Methods: A retrospective study of occupational injuries and fatalities at one of the largest copper mining companies in Zambia was undertaken for the period January 2005 to May 2007. Information on injuries and fatalities was obtained from the electronic accident survey database of the company. Analysis was restricted to fatalities and those injuries that had prompted medical attention and at least 1 day of absence from work. Annual injury and fatality frequency rates (injuries per 1000 employee years and fatalities per 100 000 employee years, respectively) were calculated., Results: In the selected period, 165 injuries and 20 fatalities were recorded. The underground department had the highest frequency rates of fatalities (111/100 000 employee years) and injuries (5.5/1000 employee years). The most common cause of fatal injuries was fall of rock in the underground mines. The most frequent mechanism of injury was handling of tools and materials, and the most commonly injured body parts were the hands and fingers., Conclusions: The fatality rate is high compared to reported values from the metalliferous mining industry in developed countries, strongly suggesting that measures should be taken to reduce risks, particularly at underground sites.