Factors that contribute to workplace health and safety in institutions of higher learning : a case study of Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology

Abstract

This study dealt with the factors that contribute to workplace health and safety in the institutions of higher learning. The study mainly focused on Health and Safety Policy and planning, safety awareness and attitude, preventive and maintenance measures, designs and environmental limits and safety in relation to building architecture. The study, which targets the institutions of higher learning, had its samples drawn from the 1500 employees of Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, which was the study population. The population was stratified along the University's 3 divisions and 2~espondents were randomly selected form each stratum. Both secondary and primary data was collected through existing literature and questionnaires respectively; this was also supported by a checklist of observations. A pilot study was conducted to check the validity and reliability of the instruments. Data collected was analyzed using SPSS and the results presented through tables, graphs and charts. The findings revealed that the safety status and response of the institution was generally fair, this was evidenced by the majority (68.8%) of the respondents terming the frequency of occurrence of accidents as rare. However, some of the factors that were established, which contribute to the workplace health and safety include abscence of health and safety policies, organs and planning response by the administration on safety matters. The study also revealed that awareness, levels of precaution and maintenance, safety design and environmental limits as other crucial factors that contribute to workplace health and safety. The study recommended for the need to develop policies and planning response, intensity safety awareness, improve maintenance and ensure conformity of designs and environmental limits with operational excellence. Further research was recommended for similar study to be carried out in other institutions of learning such as secondary schools.