Challenges faced by safety, health, environment, and quality (SHEQ) representatives in mining industry. A case study of Shamva mine · Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Author

Musarurwa, Esther

Title

Challenges faced by safety, health, environment, and quality (SHEQ) representatives in mining industry. A case study of Shamva mine

Abstract

This study explores the challenges faced by Safety, Health, Environment, and Quality (SHEQ) representatives in promoting workplace safety within the mining sector, focusing on Shamva Gold Mine in Zimbabwe. Despite the adoption of international safety standards such as ISO 45001 and ILO Convention No. 176, persistent safety incidents suggest a gap between theoretical safety frameworks and practical implementation on the ground. Using theories such as Conflict Theory, Social Learning Theory (SLT), and Systems Theory, this research investigates how poor social dialogue, limited stakeholder engagement, and inefficient communication hinder effective Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) practices.
Quantitative and qualitative findings reveal that although SHEQ representatives and workers are actively involved in incident investigations (86.6%) and most feel free to express their safety concerns (95.5%), several systemic issues remain. Meetings to address OHS matters are mostly held monthly (89.6%), with resolution of concerns often delayed for two weeks to a month (37.3%), highlighting resource and communication constraints. Furthermore, 44.8% of respondents were unsure whether social dialogue improves safety outcomes, while 32.8% disagreed entirely, indicating a lack of confidence in the current consultative processes. Although incident reporting was found to reduce recurrence and improve compliance (61% of respondents), inadequate discussion of safety issues was reported to create complacency, erode employee trust, and reduce hazard awareness. A weak positive correlation (r=0.302, p<0.05) between workers’ participation in incident investigation and their freedom to express safety concerns further underscores the need for enhanced engagement mechanisms. Respondents identified the provision of adequate resources (55%) as a key strategy to strengthen collaboration between SHEQ officers, management, and workers. Overall, the study underscores the importance of addressing the disconnect between policy and practice by improving social dialogue, expediting issue resolution, and equipping SHEQ representatives with the tools and support necessary to foster a proactive safety culture in the mining industry.

Date

July 2025

Publisher

BUSE

Keywords

Safety, health, environment, and quality

Supervisor

Mr. P. Nhokovedzo