Evaluation of the occupational accidents compensation amongst beneficiaries

Abstract

Occupational accidents are a major challenge to both the employer and employee due to evolving technology which brings new hazards. The main objective of the study was to evaluate the occupational accidents compensation amongst beneficiaries in Nakuru County, Kenya. An exploratory research study design was adopted on a targeted population of 1003 occupational accidents which occurred in N akuru County within (2007 - 2011). A representative sample of 278 was used for the first specific objective; secondary data was collected using claim resettlement table. For the second and third specific objective primary data was collected for the study by use of questionnaires and secondary data was collected using compensation form for all the 200 occupational accident victims who made claims and were compensated within the period. Out of 200, 166 responded to the questionnaires, a response rate of 83.0%. The study established that the majority of the accidents 60.4% occurred in agriculture followed by 19.0% manufacturing based companies. The study also established that 79.2% of the accidents occurred among people who had worked for (1-5) years and the least 7.2% occurred among people who had worked for more than 5 years. Among the most affected parts of the body 43.9% of accidents affected hands followed by 24.7% which affected legs. It was established that 80.0% of accidents were minor and 7.0% were very severe. Among the occupational accidents victims, 91 % were male whereas 9% were female. Majority of the accidents reported in Nakuru County 22.7% were from the age bracket of 30-40 years and came from agricultural sectors. The compensation awarded to the victims of occupational accidents in N akuru County during the period was 43.6 million shillings. Majority of the beneficiaries 43.6% were dissatisfied with the compensation given to them. The study established that most accidents occurred in agriculture sector 60.4% and manufacturing sector19.0%. The beneficiaries were not satisfied with the compensation mainly because of the duration and amount of money compensated.