Employee’s awareness on health and safety management practices in private organization:

Abstract

Rapid industrialization in the past two decades has brought fast economic development in Tanzania. However, the risks of work-related diseases, injuries and accidents have increased with the economic growth. Over the past years in Tanzania the number of accidents reported countrywide were more than 1,889. During the same period a total of 668.5 million Tanzania shillings were used to compensate occupational accident victims, the money used in compensation could be used for accident prevention to reduce human loss and suffering. In many organizations, most frontline workers lack proper education and their health and safety awareness is in question. This research examined the awareness of employees regarding the management of occupational health and safety (OHS) at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA). 133 employees from the IITA office in Tanzania both Arusha and Dar es Salaam offices participated in this study. Data was collected using a set of questionnaires, interviews, and observations. Data analysis was done using descriptive statistics, t-test and ANOVA.The findings showed that employees were aware of the issues related to health and safety policy procedures. This awareness was transferred through monthly meetings within stations departments, regular training, seminars, refreshing courses, etc. To improve awareness the study recommends regular training, provision of adequate personal protective gear and Management supports should be emphasized.