{
  "id": 2139361,
  "title": "GPHA study finds low-back pain affects 45% of heavy-duty operational staff",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/20/gpha-study-finds-low-back-pain-affects-45-of-heavy-duty-operational",
  "topic": "health",
  "section": "Health & Medicine",
  "published": "2026-08-20T13:02:41.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "GBC Ghana",
    "slug": "gbc-ghana",
    "url": "https://www.gbcghanaonline.com/general/gpha-study-finds/2026/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) has highlighted the significant health concerns affecting heavy-duty operational staff in port operations, with a study revealing that 45% of such workers experience low-back pain. Dr Emmanuel Mintah-Benyin, Senior Medical Officer at the GPHA Clinic and Deputy Head of Health Services at GPHA Tema, disclosed these findings during a media forum organized by the Authority. The research, conducted as part of Dr Mintah-Benyin's Master of Public Health programme in 2022, revealed that factors such as strenuous and repetitive activities, prolonged sitting, poor posture, and age-related risks contribute to these health issues. However, low-back pain is not the only concern; hypertension, diabetes, and high cholesterol are also prevalent among port workers. Dr Mintah-Benyin pointed out that demanding work schedules, irregular eating habits, workplace stress, and unhealthy coping mechanisms exacerbate these risks. Additionally, workplace accidents, particularly involving moving vehicles and poor visibility during night operations, pose significant threats to port workers' health. Seafarers face further challenges due to prolonged sea voyages, difficult weather conditions, security threats like piracy, and isolation from family and social environments. Dr Mintah-Benyin urged workers to take persistent symptoms seriously, emphasizing that untreated back pain can lead to severe spinal problems and reduced mobility. He called for stronger occupational health programs, regular health checks, and workplace interventions, including ergonomic designs, appropriate personal protective equipment, and training for workers. Dr Mintah-Benyin recommended that employers prioritize the hierarchy of controls, eliminate or substitute hazards, introduce engineering controls, adjust work schedules, and reassign workers when necessary. He also noted that GPHA has introduced measures such as quarterly health walks, an employee gym, and a three-tier shift system to improve employee health and reduce fatigue. Dr Mintah-Benyin stressed that workers' health is crucial for workplace safety, productivity, and overall quality of life in the maritime industry. He encouraged port workers to undergo regular health screenings and seek medical attention promptly when symptoms persist, rather than waiting for conditions to worsen.",
  "summary": "By Benjamin Nii Nai Anyetei The Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) has raised concerns over occupational health risks among workers involved in physically demanding port operations, with research indicating that about 45% of its heavy-duty operational staff experienced low-back pain. Senior Medical Officer at the GPHA Clinic and Deputy Head of Health Services at […]",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}