A comparative analysis of knowledge, attitudes and practices on occupational safety and health compliance among small-scale bakeries in Harare, Zimbabwe

Abstract

This study sought to analyze the knowledge, attitudes, and practices on Occupational Safety and Health compliance among small-scale bakeries. Data were collected from 137 participants from the small-scale bakeries in Willowvale industrial area, Harare, Zimbabwe period (September to October 2021). Questionnaires, interviews, observation checklists and heat and light measurements were used for data collection. Negative binomial regression was used to assist in establishing the strength of the relationship between variables and know which independent variable was a significant predictor of compliance with OSH standards. Statistical Package for Social Sciences SPSS, version 23 was used for data analysis. The majority of the participants were males 99% and their age range was 19-30 years. The study revealed that 83% of small-scale bakeries functioned outside the requirements of the Zimbabwean OSH legislation and regulations by failing to register their operations under the Factories and Works Act Chapter 14:08. OSH management structures were essentially not there and OSH programs implementation was very poor and minimum. Employees were unprotected from several hazards including heat exposure and poor lighting. The findings obtained from the study are not statistically significant. This is shown by the P values (P > | z |) obtained which are all greater than 0.05. In conclusion, several recommendations were made for improved OSH knowledge, attitude, practices and compliance in the small-scale bakery industry. These include, management taking responsibility of the employee’s safety and health through implementation of occupational safety and health programs including OSH training. Employees need to develop a positive attitude towards OSH and implement daily safety practices. The legislators should offer tailor made and considerate interventions for such operations with main thrust on awareness and training promotions to develop and foster the essential knowledge, attitudes as well as positive practices that will result in sustainable OSH compliance in small-scale bakery industry.