An evaluation of the relationship between occupational health and safety practices on employee performance: a case of Mbire Rural District Council. · Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Author

Matsika, Dean

Title

An evaluation of the relationship between occupational health and safety practices on employee performance: a case of Mbire Rural District Council.

Abstract

Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) practices are essential in promoting employee well-being, reducing workplace accidents, and improving productivity. However, despite their importance, many organisations find it difficult to implement effective OHS measures, resulting in increased risks and reduced performance.This study evaluates the relationship between Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) practices on employee performance at Mbire Rural District Council. The research aimed to evaluate the impact of occupational health and safety practices on employee performance, to identify the most significant occupational health and safety challenges faced by employees at Mbire Rural District Council and to reveal the current occupational health and safety practices at the organisation .Guided by the Social Exchange Theory, the Theory of Accident Proneness, and the Multi-Causation Model, the study adopted a quantitative approach. Stratified random sampling and judgemental sampling methods were used for the study .Data were collected through structured questionnaires distributed to 23 employees, and the analysis was conducted using IBM SPSS version 27.0.1. Pearson coefficient correlation was used in IBM SPSS version 27.0.1 and the findings revealed a positive correlation between effective OHS practices such as regular workplace inspection, provision of personal protective equipment, management commitment and improved employee performance. However, challenges such as lack of financial resources, infrastructure deficiencies, and limited government oversight and employee non-compliance were identified as barriers. The reliability of the instrument was confirmed by a Cronbach’s Alpha of 0.732. The study concludes that strengthening OHS practices can significantly enhance employee performance and recommends increased investment in safety programs, consistent policy enforcement and improved employee awareness. More importantly, the recommendation that resulted from this study is that the organisation should investment in OHS infrastructure, the council should allocate more budgetary resources toward improving workplace infrastructure to support safe working conditions, especially in high-risk department to boost performance.

Date

June 2025

Publisher

BUSE

Keywords

Occupational Health and Safety

employee performance

Supervisor

NIL