Implementing occupational health and safety management systems: an analysis of employee capacity gaps at a wind energy establishment in Kenya faculty of arts

Abstract

Occupational Safety and health Management Systems are being implemented globally for the purpose of certification. Limited information however is available on their effectiveness in achieving reduction in occupational injuries and incidents. This study examines the effectiveness and the participative role of employees in Occupational Safety and Health Management System, and the effect of employee capacity (level of education and years of experience) in their participation in Occupational Health and Safety Management System. The objective of this study was to understand effects of employee capacity in implementing the Occupational Safety and Health Management System. Case study design was employed and data was sourced from four different companies within the Lake Turkana Wind Power project. Data collection methods included employee survey questionnaires, key informant interviews, participant observations, focus group discussions and secondary materials. Employee survey questionnaires given to a randomly selected sample of 195 of 380 employees from four companies working to establish the Lake Turkana Wind Power project, online questionnaires to twelve managers drawn from the four companies, six Focus group discussions, interviews to eleven key informants and participant observations were used to collect data. Data collected was analysed using read/reread coding and analysis, while data from employee survey questionnaires was analysed using the statistical Package for Social Sciences tool (Version 23). Chi-square test of independence tested the relationships between variables. Employee’s years of experience and not their level of education was found to significantly influence their participation in implementing Occupational Safety and Health Management System. A combination of training with task supervision, years of experience and safe systems of work could have better results. Employees are receptive to a system if they are involved in its development and in its implementation. The research identified a need to close data and legislative gaps within the Occupational Health and Safety field in line with updated international laws, new technologies and globalization. Also, the study recommends improvement of employee capacity wholesomely through supervision, timely provision of safety equipment and proper enforcement safety procedures. Building employee capacity for effective implementation of an Occupational Safety and Health Management System should transcend health and safety training whose design and execution should aim at reducing time and cost incurred by participating companies