Socio-economic and work-related safety conditions of coal mine workers: the case of achibo-sombo (yayo area) coal mining site, oromia national regional state Ethiopia.

Abstract

This study is designed as descriptive case study to assess the socio-economic and safety conditions of coalmine workers at Achibo-Sombo of Yayo district, Ilu Abba Bor Zone, Oromia National Regional State, Ethiopia. The main objective of this thesis was to assess the Socio-economic and safety condition of coalmine workers by focussing on medical benefits, safety measures, employment relationship, labour union, wage/salary and psychosocial state. To this end, the research employed descriptive case study design guided by mixed research approach. The empirical data were obtained from 70 respondents via questionnaire, FGD and interview. Data collected by survey were analyzed using in to SPSS for descriptive statistics then presented in table and charts in the form of cumulative frequency, percentage, correlation and chi-squire, while the qualitative data were analyzed descriptively by cross-analysis methods. The study has found out that the employment of a contractual nature does not take a formal legal procedure; mine workers were not organized, in form of union, to defend/safeguard their interest and rights; lack of appropriate safety measures and health checkups, and low wage/salary. On the basis of findings, provisions of safety measures, medical benefits including pre and on job health examination for coalmine workers, issues of minimum wage policy, sort of employment in coalmining and forming trade union are serious issues of concern that should be addressed.