Assessing the causes and risk factors of occupational accidents among Probrands Private Limited employees

Author

Mutadza, Anesu T.

Title

Assessing the causes and risk factors of occupational accidents among Probrands Private Limited employees

Abstract

Occupational accidents remain a pressing issue in the manufacturing sector, particularly in developing countries where safety systems are often under-resourced or inconsistently enforced. This study investigated the causes and risk factors of occupational accidents among employees at Probrands Private Limited, a manufacturing company in Zimbabwe. The research aimed to assess the prevalence and types of occupational accidents, identify their underlying causes, and explore environmental and organizational risk factors contributing to workplace injuries. A mixed methods approach was employed to combine quantitative data from 30 structured questionnaires and qualitative insights from interviews with 10 departmental heads. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. The findings revealed a moderate but concerning prevalence of accidents, with 56.7% of employees reporting personal experience of a workplace incident and many having witnessed injuries among colleagues. Slips, burns, machinery-related injuries, and cuts were the most commonly reported accidents, particularly in labour-intensive units such as Production and Engineering. Core causes identified included poor supervision, insufficient training, faulty equipment, and the neglect of safety protocols. Environmental risk factors such as slippery floors, poor lighting, excessive noise, and heat contributed to the occupational accidents. The study also found that young, inexperienced, and temporary employees were especially vulnerable to injury. Notably, underreporting of workplace accidents was common due to fear of reprisal and a lack of trust in existing reporting systems. While safety policies are in place, their enforcement was found to be inconsistent, contributing to a passive safety culture within the organisation. The study recommends enhancing safety training tailored to employee educational levels, improving equipment maintenance, strengthening supervision, promoting a just reporting culture, and investing in safer physical work environments. These measures are essential for shifting from a compliance-based model to a proactive safety culture that protects the wellbeing of all employees.

Date

June 2025

Publisher

BUSE

Keywords

Occupational accidents

Developing countries

Causes

Supervisor

Dr. Mabhungu