Methods: The study used a descriptive cross-sectional design and stratified sampling approach to select 152 workers from a coal-fired power station. This study aimed to establish workers' perceptions and attitudes about coal dust exposure and health hazards. Literature on workers' perceptions of coal dust exposure and its health effects is limited. Introduction: Exposure to coal dust is one of the major health hazards that result in respiratory problems in the coal industry. The perception was the same among workers with different work experiences. Coal dust was perceived as the main health hazard resulting in respiratory complications. Conclusion: Workers were knowledgeable of the health hazards associated with coal dust. There was no correlation between workers’ perception of coal dust exposure and their work experience. Most respondents perceived they were exposed to coal dust, which they identified as a significant health hazard they were at risk of having respiratory difficulties and could be protected from its exposure. Most respondents were aware of the sources of coal dust, its exposure routes, the frequency of exposure that may result in respiratory problems, health effects and methods of prevention. 72.4% had worked at the coal-fired power station for more than a year. Results: Respondents between 18 to 39 years were the majority.
The study was conducted at Bulawayo Power Station, Zimbabwe. Quantitative data was collected using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire to solicit information on age, gender, work experience, knowledge and perception, with Chi-square tests used for inferential analysis. This study aimed to establish workers’ perceptions and attitudes about coal dust exposure and health hazards. Literature on workers’ perceptions of coal dust exposure and its health effects is limited.
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