An Assessment of the effectiveness of organisational OHS management systems in the beverage industries of Zimbabwe: a case study of Probottlers Private Limited, Zimbabwe · Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Author

Bulaki, Tsitsi R.

Title

An Assessment of the effectiveness of organisational OHS management systems in the beverage industries of Zimbabwe: a case study of Probottlers Private Limited, Zimbabwe

Abstract

Occupational health and safety management systems (OHSMS) are internationally recognized as versatile frameworks that can be applied across businesses of all sizes and types to manage accidents, injuries, health risks, and workplace hazards. This study sought to evaluate the effectiveness of the organizational OHSMS employed within the beverage industry in Zimbabwe, using PRObottlers Private Limited as a case study. The research utilized a convergent triangulation approach, combining both qualitative and quantitative techniques. Specifically, the methods included in-depth interviews and secondary data searches, as well as self-administered questionnaires distributed to forty PRObottlers employees across different departments, using convenience sampling. The effectiveness of the OHSMS was further analysed through purposive interviews with key experts in the field. Thematic analysis was employed to examine the qualitative data, while the quantitative data was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software v25. The key objectives of the study were to assess the level of employee knowledge regarding the OHSMS, identify the challenges and barriers hindering its effective implementation, and evaluate the system's success in preventing workplace accidents and injuries. The results indicated that the OHSMS implemented at PRObottlers did not lead to a significant reduction in workplace accidents and injuries. Furthermore, the overall effectiveness of the system was undermined by several factors, including insufficient management commitment to OHS practices, understaffing, lack of financial resources, and inadequate training. The study concludes by recommending a more comprehensive and proactive approach to OHS management, as well as the importance of OHSMS certification, to address the identified gaps and enhance the effectiveness of the system in creating a safer and healthier work environment within the beverage industry.

Date

June 2024

Publisher

BUSE

Keywords

Knowledge

Occupational Health and safety

Occupational Health and Safety Management System

Supervisor

Mr Dzvene