Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency

Mercury-dependent gold mining operations expose workers to occupational health and safety hazards due to mercury's toxicity. This study assessed occupational health and safety (OHS) services provided in mercury-based gold mines in Mumbwa District, Zambia, aiming to evaluate compliance with OHS standards and identify prevalent health hazards faced by miners. A sequential mixed-methods approach was used. Data was collected through questionnaires from 108 conveniently sampled miners, while qualitative data was gathered through in-depth interviews with safety supervisors. Observational checklists were also used in the mines. Workers were exposed to dust and particulate matter (98%), and mercury exposure (62.7%), among other hazards. Compliance with OHS standards was lacking: only 23.8% of mines complied with training standards, and 33.3% with health checks. No mines had onsite medical services. Higher compliance rates were observed for reporting systems (66.7%), first aid services (62%), and fire safety measures (66.7%). Miners in gold amalgamation processes faced mercury exposure, respiratory risks from dust, and environmental contamination. Among workers in mercury-based gold mines, satisfaction was significantly higher among those who received training (OR = 4.82, p = 0.002), had access to First Aid services (OR = 5.88, p = 0.006), and possessed greater experience (OR = 2.75, p = 0.036), while education showed a non-significant trend (OR = 1.92, p = 0.097), and neither gender (OR = 2.25, p = 0.240) nor fire safety measures (OR = 0.96, p = 0.944) were statistically associated with satisfaction. Facilitators to compliance included a safe work environment, regulations and enforcement, and management support, while barriers included financial constraints, lack of training and awareness, and resistance to change. There is an urgent need for enhanced training programs, onsite medical services, and improved worker participation through OHS committees. Comprehensive strategies are needed to improve OHS compliance and protect miners' health in Mumbwa, District.

Purpose: Different countries use different kinds of pesticides which affect the environment and animals in many different ways. The purpose of this study was to analyse pesticide use in Isoka district of Muchinga Province.The objectives were to identify commonly used synthetic pesticides and assess how farmers store them. Methodology: We collected primary data using well-structured questionnaires from 60 vegetable farmers in four agricultural camps. A cross-sectional survey design was employed and data were analysed using frequency and percentages of descriptive statistics. A p -value with test of significance of 0.05 was used. Findings: The commonly used Synthetic pesticides were found to be neonicotinoid 35% .Others that were found to be in use were ; Organophosphates 16%, Organochlorines 3% , Pyrethroids 10% , and Macrocyclic lactones 22% .The Unknown were 7% and carbamates 7% . The farmers kept their pesticides in their homes 53% and in their gardens 47%. Unique contribution to the theory, practice and policy: Neonicotinoid synthetic pesticides were the commonly used pesticides. Farmers kept synthetic pesticides in homes where they lived with children. Because of the effects that pesticides have to the environment, animals and man, this study recommend the need to sensitize farmers on the correct use so that exposure and further contamination of water, soil and vegetables are reduced .Farmers should construct separate store rooms where the said chemicals should be kept.There is need to strengthen institutional collaboration between Zambia environmental management agency and ministry of agriculture.

This paper discusses the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's emergency response mechanism and legal basis in being at the time of the TMI incident. It recounts the sequence of events as they directly affected the Agency and the method whereby the Agency discharged its responsibilities. Finally, some of the problems and experiences accruing from TMI are listed as lessons learned.