Mitigating Health Risks for Auto Mechanics in Ghana: Education, Awareness, and Solutions

The project team meets with mechanics at a shop

Project member(s):

  • Amy Fulton

Faculty mentor:

Community partners:

  • Duke University student team:
    Sara Goodhue
    Sidd Amirneni
    Linda Cao
    Maura Ott
    Hayden Black
    Bright Aboah

    KNUST student team:
    Tabitha Osiban-Fordjour
    Maame Efua Essuman
    Stella Simmons

Mitigating Health Risks for Auto Mechanics in Ghana: Education, Awareness, and Solutions

Project overview

The project team sought to develop and help implement reasonable, sustainable safety interventions for mechanics by understanding their daily work practices and exposure to substances like used motor oil. The group met with mechanic shops in small groups to discuss known research on the health effects of heavy metal exposures, suggest solutions, and assess their feasibility. They also conducted surveys to collect data on mechanics’ understanding of the issue and work practices. The project collected data from several hundred mechanics and was able to provide a variety of suggestions to decrease exposure-related health risks. Suggestions included hand washing, eating with utensils instead of hands, regular medical checkups, use of long-sleeved shirts, washing clothing at shops instead of in the home, and storage of used oil in suitable closed containers. Future projects may use this data to implement policy and structures of funding to ensure access to protective equipment and infrastructure such as motor oil recycling. This project was completed through the Duke Engage Ghana program, and is part of a multi-year research and service initiative.

Project poster

Last updated on November 6, 2023