International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) | Volume III, Issue VI, June 2019 | ISSN 2454–6186

Occupational Safety and Health Management in the Production of Electricity Transformers at Zesa Enterprises, Harare

Steven Jerie and Naison Mandebere

Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, Midlands State University, P. Bag 9055, Gweru, Zimbabwe

Corresponding author: Steven Jerie

Abstract:-The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of occupational safety and health management systems in accident prevention at ZESA enterprises in Zimbabwe. Questionnaires, interviews, observations and document review were used as data collection tools. The most common hazards identified at ZESA included improper work organization, poor hygiene, ergonomic hazards, fire, and electric hazards. Since the introduction of the occupational safety and health management system in 2009, the work environment became safer and there was a decline in the number of accidents recorded each year thereafter. The existing occupational health and safety management system at ZESA enterprises met the majority of the requirements outlined in the OHSAS 18001 specification. It was concluded that implementation of the occupational safety and health management system whether or not following international standards always yielded positive results in improving occupational safety and health performance.

Key words: Occupational safety and health, electricity, transformers, OHSAS 18001, hazards

I. INTRODUCTION

Economic meltdown in Zimbabwe has resulted in poor performance of local companies at international markets resulting in low profit making. This has contributed to failure by the majority of companies to implement internationally recognised occupational health and safety management systems such as the OHSAS 18001, an standard which premises on hazard identification, workplace assessment and risk control aiming at eliminating work related hazards (Benjamin, 2001; Hope, 2012). In other words, the ability of employers to fully invest in issues relating to health and safety were compromised by the state of the economy over the past years, which culminated in utility inefficiencies. OHSAS 18001 outlines the major aspects for ensuring that the work activities are safe and no accident should be witnessed at the work place.