Evidence map›Paper›PMID 40724198›Full record

ArticleInternational journal of environmental research and public health2025

Assessing Occupational Safety Risks and Challenges Among Informal Welders in Pretoria West, South Africa.

Marvin Mashimbyi, Kgotatso Jeanet Seisa, Muelelwa Ramathuthu, Maasago Mercy Sepadi

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Article in International journal of environmental research and public health, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 4 papers.

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0cells of the map it votes in
4citing papers in PubMed
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1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

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2 · The registry

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3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

4 citing papers in PubMed.

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4 · The record

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5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

4 authors.

Marvin MashimbyiFaculty of Science, Environmental Health, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria 0183, South Africa.
Kgotatso Jeanet SeisaFaculty of Science, Environmental Health, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria 0183, South Africa.
Muelelwa RamathuthuFaculty of Science, Environmental Health, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria 0183, South Africa.
Maasago Mercy SepadiFaculty of Science, Environmental Health, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria 0183, South Africa.ORCID 0000-0002-7236-9160

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundInformal welders in Pretoria West face growing occupational safety risks due to hazardous working environments and limited regulatory oversight. Despite the high-risk nature of their work, many remain unaware of relevant safety legislation and inconsistently use personal protective equipment (PPE). This study aimed to investigate the occupational safety risks, challenges, and levels of compliance with safety practices among informal welders in Pretoria West, South Africa.

methodsA cross-sectional mixed-methods approach was employed, incorporating both qualitative and quantitative designs. Data were collected from 40 male welders (aged 20-55 years) using structured questionnaires, observational checklists, and semi-structured interviews. Descriptive statistics were generated using Microsoft Excel, while thematic content analysis was applied to the qualitative data.

resultsEighty-five percent (85%) of welders reported using gas welding, and more than half had received training in welding and PPE use; however, 47.5% had no formal training. A high prevalence of work-related injuries was reported, including burns, cuts, and eye damage. Common safety concerns identified were burns (42.5%), electric shocks (35%), and malfunctioning equipment. Observational data revealed inconsistent PPE use, particularly with flame-resistant overalls and eye protection. Qualitative insights highlighted challenges such as demanding client expectations, hazardous physical environments, and inadequate equipment maintenance. Many sites lacked compliance with occupational safety standards.

conclusionThe study reveals critical gaps in safety knowledge, training, and PPE compliance among informal welders. These deficiencies significantly elevate the risk of occupational injuries. Strengthening occupational health and safety regulations, improving access to PPE, and delivering targeted training interventions are essential to safeguard the well-being of welders and those in their surrounding communities.

Indexed as

Occupational HealthOccupational InjuriesPersonal Protective EquipmentWeldingAdultCross-Sectional StudiesHumansMaleMiddle AgedRisk AssessmentSouth AfricaSurveys and QuestionnairesYoung Adultinformal economyinformal weldersinjury riskoccupational safetyPPE complianceSouth Africasustainable development goals

Identifiers

PMID40724198
PMCPMC12294259

What OpenQuestion holds

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LicenceCC BY
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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.