Conference 2021 Poster Presentation
Project title
What strategies to protect workers against Covid-19 in a mining sector in Mali?
Authors and Affiliations
Mahamadou Koné1,2, Sambou Mangané1, Moussa Keïta1, Ismaël Kouma3, Ibrahima Diarra4
1. Medical service of the mining site, Mali
2. Malian company for health and safety at work (SOMASST)
3. SAFARI medical center, Bamako, Mali
4. Regional hospital center of Ségou, Mali.
Abstract
Background
The aim of this work was to describe the prevention activities carried out by the medical service of the mining site.
Methods
A retrospective study lasting 6 months, from February to July 2020 was carried out by the medical department of a gold mining company in Mali. It included all the prevention and fight against Covid-19 activities. We used the medical service’s computer file for data collection and analysis.
Results
A 9-member Covid-19 crisis committee was set up, held 12 meetings and developed an action plan. An awareness poster and 5 reflex sheets were posted in all departments. Nine sheets on barrier gestures were developed and distributed on the network with one sheet per day and iteratively. Statistics on the disease were posted daily on the network. Four hand washing devices have been installed at the entrances of the company in addition to the 8 others already operational in the departments. Hydro alcoholic gels were available. Medical staff have been trained on Covid-19 and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE). We trained 12 security agents on taking the temperature with thermo flashes, 4 maintenance agents on disinfection, 2 laundry agents on washing fabric masks, 4 agents on inspecting the respect of gestures barriers by workers. A third of the workers were confined to the site for 3 months and the others were put on early leave and telework. The workstations and the dining room have been fitted out with a distance of one meter. All vehicles going to the site were disinfected. Hand washing with soap or the use of hydroalcoholic gels was systematic. Each worker was provided with 2 washable cloth masks and their wearing was compulsory on the site. PPE has been acquired for medical staff and maintenance workers. An isolation site with a capacity of 10 beds has been set up. The temperature was taken systematically at the entrances. A protocol for the screening and management of a possible suspected case was drawn up in collaboration with the regional medical unit for the fight against Covid-19.
Conclusions
These actions have enabled us to ensure the protection of workers against Covid-19 with the involvement of all the actors concerned. Emphasis must be placed on their monitoring and adaptation according to the evolution of Covid-19.
