Análisis de riesgos laborales y medidas preventivas para proteger la salud ocupacional en el sector minero El Pache Portovelo.

Abstract

The general objective of the research was to identify occupational risks among workers at processing plants in the El Pache-Portovelo mining sector through surveys on exposure to toxic agents, in order to design effective occupational health prevention and protection strategies. The specific objectives included identifying the toxic agents present and their sources, analyzing working conditions, determining the blood lead concentration of workers, and proposing mitigation measures. A mixed approach (qualitative and quantitative) with a descriptive cross-sectional design was applied. The study population included workers directly exposed to the risk, who were surveyed, semi-structured interviews, direct observation, and clinical biomarker analysis. Data were collected at the Hermanos Franco and Santa Marianita processing plants and the Vivanco processing plant using stratified sampling, selecting workers with and without direct exposure. The results revealed a high presence of toxic agents such as lead (73.4%), cyanide (70%), and arsenic (26.7%). Blood lead levels between 3 and 6 µg/dL were present in 66.7% of workers, while levels between 0 and 3 µg/dL were present in 33.3%. Although 90% of respondents considered safety measures sufficient, there was evidence of partial coverage in the use of personal protective equipment and a 23.3% prevalence of symptoms compatible with poisoning, mainly headache. These findings underscore the urgent need to strengthen prevention strategies, biological monitoring, and job training in the mining sector.