Safety management systems, ergonomic features and accident causation among garment workers.

Vandyck, Efua; Fianu, Docea; Papoe, Matilda; Oppong, Seth

الوقاية والأرغنوميا
Volume 12, Numéro 2, Pages 56-67
2018-09-10

Safety Management Systems, Ergonomic Features And Accident Causation Among Garment Workers.

Authors : Vandyck Efua . Fianu Docea . Papoe Matilda . Oppong Seth .

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Introduction- Issues of Occupational Health and Safety and productivity of work in developing countries have been found to be associated with poor understanding of and training in ergonomics and safety management systems in the work place. Safety management systems are created to increase performance by reducing the likelihood of illness, death, absenteeism, injury and other unpleasant outcomes for workers. An occupational illness or accident can affect production. Accidents can have immeasurable indirect cost to workers such as the human suffering caused to families of workers, which cannot be compensated with money. In addition, they take a big toll on the company in the event of such. While workplace safety conditions and standards are shaped by a nation’s health and safety legislation and an organization’s safety culture, strong commitment from management and strong employee involvement are also essential elements for a successful workplace health and safety system. Understanding and applying ergonomic principles in the work place also helps prevent injuries and increase productivity. Aims:- This study explored ergonomics features in the workplace, safety management systems practiced and the relationship between types of accidents encountered in the garment industry in the Export Free Zone (EFZ) in Accra, Ghana. Method: - Stratified and convenience sampling methods were used to select 300 participants from 945 garment producers. A self-administered structured questionnaire was used to assess safety system practiced and ergonomics features in the garment workplace. It consisted of close-ended statements that required respondents to rate information on a 3-point Likert scale to specify their level of agreement or disagreement on information and descriptions on safety systems and ergonomic features in their workplace. The questionnaire also elicited information on accidents encountered in the workplace. The independent t-test was carried out to test the level of significance of relationships among selected study variables. Results: - Majority of the respondents were young females, with low educational qualifications. The rating of practices and attitudes towards safety management systems in the workplace by the employees were mostly unfavorable. While lighting, ventilation, noise and temperature were rated by employees (60% in each case) as comfortable, only 18% agreed they did have ergonomically designed seats. Findings indicated that employees who were exposed to poor ergonomic practices in their workplace were more likely to suffer cuts, burns, falls and loss of fingers compared to their counterparts exposed to sound ergonomic practices in the workplace. Thus, workers experience high levels of accidents when there are poor ergonomic practices in the workplace. Conclusion: -Ergonomic intervention strategies and safety systems that aim to minimize the risks of accidents should be provided by employers and occupational health service providers to help increase productivity in the work place.