A Qualitative Assessment of Occupational Health Practices, Safety Culture and Work Behaviour among Auto Artisans at Kokompe, Accra, Ghana
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Abstract
Informal automotive repair enterprises provide important employment and economic opportunities in Ghana but are frequently characterized by inadequate occupational health and safety systems. This study examined safety culture and work behaviour among auto artisans at the Kokompe Vehicle Retail and Repairs Centre in Accra, Ghana. The study specifically explored workplace safety structures and procedures, safety-related behaviours and practices, and the beliefs, values and attitudes that shape occupational health and safety among artisans. A qualitative research design was adopted, combining in-depth semi-structured interviews with direct workplace observation. Fifty-eight artisans, comprising 15 mechanics, 12 welders, 15 sprayers, 10 spare-parts dealers and 6 electricians, were selected using purposive and convenience sampling. Fieldwork was initially conducted between July 2017 and April 2018, with subsequent follow-up visits undertaken between November 2019 and March 2020 and between June 2022 and December 2024. The findings indicate substantial weaknesses in the safety culture of the study area. Workplace structures were predominantly temporary and poorly organized, while formal safety policies, procedures, emergency arrangements and systematic preventive practices were largely absent. Artisans demonstrated awareness of several occupational hazards but frequently regarded accidents and injuries as unavoidable consequences of their occupations. This fatalistic orientation, combined with limited management commitment and weak regulatory oversight, contributed to unsafe work practices. The study concludes that improving occupational safety among informal auto artisans requires workplace re-engineering, stronger regulatory intervention, management commitment, systematic safety education and the development of practical safety procedures appropriate to informal enterprises.
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