Quality Utilization of Safety and Hygiene Facilities for the Prevention and Control of Occupational Health Hazards Among Mineworkers in Rulindo District, Rwanda

Laetitia Uwamariya; Dr. Maurice Silali

doi:10.36948/ijfmr.2026.v08i05.81956

Quality Utilization of Safety and Hygiene Facilities for the Prevention and Control of Occupational Health Hazards Among Mineworkers in Rulindo District, Rwanda

Author(s)	Laetitia Uwamariya, Dr. Maurice Silali
Country	Rwanda
Abstract	Occupational health hazards remain a major challenge in the mining sector globally and in Rwanda, despite the availability of safety and hygiene (SH) facilities intended to protect workers. This study assessed the utilization of safety and hygiene facilities for the prevention and control of occupational health hazards among mineworkers in Rulindo District, Rwanda. Specifically, the study determined the level of SH facility utilization, examined institutional and infrastructural factors influencing utilization, and assessed sociocultural factors associated with the use of SH facilities. A descriptive cross-sectional study design employing mixed methods was used. Quantitative data were collected using structured questionnaires administered to mineworkers, while qualitative data were gathered through Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs). A total of 366 participants were targeted, of whom 360 responded, yielding a response rate of 98.4%. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS to generate frequencies, percentages, cross-tabulations, Chi-square tests, and logistic regression results, while qualitative data were analyzed thematically. The findings revealed that 70.0% of respondents were male and 30.0% were female. Most respondents (93.9%) reported having access to personal protective equipment (PPE). Based on Bloom’s cut-off criteria, 83.3% of mineworkers demonstrated high utilization of safety and hygiene facilities, 6.9% moderate utilization, and 9.8% low utilization. Institutional and infrastructural support was generally strong, with 86.1% reporting the availability of functional handwashing stations, 82.8% access to operational first-aid kits, and 92.5% indicating that management provided free PPE. Sociocultural factors also influenced utilization, as 81.1% expressed the need for additional PPE, while peer influence and workplace attitudes affected compliance with safety regulations.The study concludes that utilization of safety and hygiene facilities among mineworkers is significantly influenced by institutional support, infrastructural availability, and sociocultural factors. Although most mineworkers reported high utilization of SH facilities, challenges related to equipment maintenance, workplace attitudes, and behavioral compliance remain. The study recommends strengthening occupational health and safety training, improving maintenance of safety infrastructure, enhancing management support, and addressing sociocultural barriers to improve compliance and reduce occupational health hazards in the mining sector.
Keywords	Occupation health hazards, safety and hygiene facilities, personal protective equipment.
Published In	Volume 8, Issue 5, September-October 2026
Published On	2026-10-23
DOI	https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2026.v08i05.81956

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Quality Utilization of Safety and Hygiene Facilities for the Prevention and Control of Occupational Health Hazards Among Mineworkers in Rulindo District, Rwanda

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