About 45 per cent of heavy-duty operational staff of the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) have experienced low-back pain, highlighting the health challenges associated with physically demanding work at the country’s ports.
The finding comes from research conducted in 2022 by Dr Emmanuel Mintah-Benyin, Senior Medical Officer at the GPHA Clinic and Deputy Head of Health Services at GPHA Tema, as part of his Master of Public Health studies.
Speaking at a media forum organised by the GPHA, Dr Mintah-Benyin said the condition was linked to factors including strenuous and repetitive tasks, prolonged sitting, poor posture and age.
He warned that occupational health challenges within the maritime sector extend beyond back pain, with workers also exposed to hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, workplace accidents and mental stress.
According to him, demanding work schedules, irregular eating habits and stress could further increase the risk of non-communicable diseases among port workers.
He noted that the operational environment also presented safety hazards, including moving vehicles, poor visibility during night shifts and other dangerous working conditions.
Seafarers Face Additional Risks
Dr Mintah-Benyin said seafarers faced additional occupational risks due to prolonged periods at sea, harsh weather conditions and security threats such as piracy and robbery.
He added that extended periods away from families and normal social environments could also contribute to mental stress and exhaustion.
He therefore urged workers to take persistent symptoms seriously, particularly back pain, fatigue, breathing difficulties and changes in concentration or emotional wellbeing.
“Your health is the most valuable tool you have; take charge of it. Pay attention to your body, don’t ignore persistent signs, and don’t wait until you feel sick to get screened,” he advised.
Dr Mintah-Benyin warned that untreated persistent back pain could progress into serious spinal problems, reduced mobility and the need for extensive medical treatment.
Call for Stronger Workplace Safety Measures
The GPHA medical officer called for stronger occupational health programmes within the maritime industry, including regular health surveillance and workplace interventions designed to reduce exposure to hazards.
He said employers could reduce risks by eliminating or substituting hazards where possible, introducing engineering controls, adjusting work schedules and reassigning workers whose health conditions made certain duties unsafe.
He also stressed the need for appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and proper training to ensure that workers use the equipment effectively.
Dr Mintah-Benyin said the GPHA had introduced initiatives such as quarterly health walks and an employee gym to encourage healthier lifestyles among staff.
He further cited the Authority’s three-tier shift system as an example of a workplace arrangement designed to manage fatigue and limit prolonged exposure to operational risks.
He urged maritime employers to give greater attention to ergonomics in workplace design and make occupational health a central component of workplace safety.
He said protecting workers’ health was essential not only for their wellbeing but also for maintaining safety, productivity and efficiency across Ghana’s maritime industry.
