An analysis of the occupational health systems in the public sector. The case of Zimbabwe Electrical Transmission and Distribution Company.

Abstract

The study analyses the occupational health and safety systems in ZETDC. The study sought to identify the Occupational Health System in ZETDC, the frameworks used in its implementation and to assess its effectiveness in the organisation. The study further identifies the hurdles faced in the use of the Occupational Health and Safety System and proffers recommendations to alleviate them. Literature on the study reviewed various theories which influence the adoption of Occupational Health Systems which include the Theory of Accident Proneness and Heinrich’s Domino Theory. In-depth interviews, non-participatory observation and documentary search were utilised in the study. The study identified the basics of ZETDC’s Occupational Health and Safety System as based on the need to reduce loss of work hours and increased rate of labour turnover due to the risky nature of electricity transmission and distribution. Institutional and Policy frameworks were identified to enable for the implementation of the Occupational Health and Safety System in ZETDC these included the Office of the Health Officer, Risk Management Department and the Administrative Note and the Operating and Safety Rules respectively. Various activities were noted for the promotion of Occupational Health and Safety in ZETDC which included the Safety Pledge, Culture Change, Risk Management Awards, Safety and Health Committee, Safety and Health Seminars and Workshops, Corporate Level Reports, Safety Circulars, Safety Awareness Campaigns and the Annual Commemoration of the World Safety Day. The effectiveness of ZETDC’s Occupational Health and Safety System was evaluated by trend analysis on the number of injuries and fatalities at the workplace between the years 2009 to 2016. The study concludes that though vibrant the Occupational Health and Safety System suffers shortage of health and safety personnel, constrained budgeting and financing, behavioural and negligence tendencies and foreman’s dual responsibility with trade unions. On the shortage of health and safety personnel the study recommends that there be the expansion of the health office into a department to counteract the staff shortage and to liberalise occupational health and safety budgeting. The study also recommends policy reorientation to ensure that those who are at supervisor level (foremen) once they hold executive posts in trade unions get elevated to managerial level such that they will make a choice between being in ZETDC and not in a trade union.