Assessment of work safety analysis performance among rural hospitals of Chirumanzu district of midlands province, Zimbabwe

Abstract

Ensuring workplace safety for healthcare workers is vital considering the important role they play in various societies which is to save life. Healthcare workers face different risks when performing tasks in various departments within hospitals, hence there is a need to assess work safety analysis procedures among healthcare workers. As a result, this study aims to assess the effectiveness of work safety analysis procedures among healthcare workers at Muvonde and Driefontein Sanatorium rural hospitals in Chirumanzu district. The research applied the descriptive cross-sectional design, combining quantitative and qualitative data collection methods. A questionnaire with both closed and open ended questionnaire was used for data collection among 109 healthcare workers at Muvonde hospital and 68 healthcare workers at Driefontein Sanatorium hospital. Secondary data sources, observations and interviews were also included as data collection methods. Quantitative data collected during the study was analysed using SPSS version 25. Braun and Clarke (2006)’s six phase framework was applied for qualitative data analysis. Ethical approval form was obtained from the District Medical Officer and Midlands State University. Findings of the study indicated that risks identified at Muvonde and Driefontein Sanatorium rural hospitals are classified as ergonomic, physical, chemical, psychosocial and biological risks. Respondents specified that these risks occur as a result of inadequate equipment, poor training, negative safety behaviour, poor management and pressure due to high workload. Safety inspection, safety workshops and monitoring of worker’s safety behaviour were mentioned as measures to manage risks. However, the strengths and weaknesses of the current safety procedures need to be assessed to highlight areas for improvement to reduce occurrence of risks within the hospitals.