Challenges faced by Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) professionals in Zimbabwe

Author

Muzore, Peter

Title

Challenges faced by Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) professionals in Zimbabwe

Abstract

Background: OHS professionals have been deemed a profession without professionals in recent years due to a lack of recognition in professional protection and career development (Uhrenholdt Madsen et al., 2019). According to studies conducted in developing nations, hiring an OHS specialist reduces accidents, improves compliance, and reduces expenses associated with workplace inefficiencies. Despite the fact that INSHPO is progressively pushing for OHS professionals globally, most companies continue to question the value that an OHS professional brings to the organization. OHS practice is expanding as an emerging profession in Zimbabwe, however unlike professions such as law and engineering, OHS practitioners confront a variety of hurdles that impact their contribution to the companies they serve. In order to fully appreciate the value of OHS professionals, this study aims to explore the challenges faced by OHS professionals in developing nations like Zimbabwe. Methodology: 100 OHS professionals from different Zimbabwean industries participated in the study. Data was gathered utilizing a Google survey to administer a structured questionnaire through email. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the quantitative data, while thematic analysis was utilized to analyze the qualitative data. Results: According to the majority of respondents, the challenges faced by OHS professionals include poor management commitment, the profession's limited legal recognition, an unclear career path, a lack of clear roles and responsibilities, a lack of authority in organizations that puts value contributions at risk, inadequate resources, poor regulatory frameworks, and poor remunerations. OHS professionals also work under unfavorable conditions and lack job security. Conclusion: The study concludes by recommending a multifaceted strategy to address the challenges OHS practitioners in Zimbabwe face, including the funding of OHS, revision and strict enforcement of OHS laws, CPD and CE, the creation of a regulated OHS professional body, the creation of a body of knowledge that an OHS professional should be trained on, and revising salaries and allowances for OHS professionals. Further research should investigate the extent to which the strategies identified in this study address the challenges faced by OHS professionals in Zimbabwe and the value that OHS professionals bring to organizations.

Date

June 2023

Publisher

BUSE

Keywords

Occupational Health Safety,

Lack job security,

Zimbabwe,

Supervisor

Mr. P. Nhokovedzo,