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Assessing the efficiency of the occupational health and safety management system at a South African university
Author(s)
Mtikitiki, Ntombenhle
Date Issued
2024
Type
Thesis
Publisher
Cape Peninsula University of Technology
Abstract
The impacts associated with industrial activities are increasing globally, attracting attention
from safety practitioners, environmentalists, and researchers. This rise in industrial activities
has led to an increase in accidents, driven by the expansion of industries and the use of
advanced technologies to speed up production. Both production and service industries
recognize the importance of Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) practices for ensuring the
quality of products and services. Unlike many other industries where the production process
and service delivery are often separated, the production and consumption of university services
are closely linked. Therefore, the quality of education is significantly influenced by OHS
measures. A safety incident at a university could have far-reaching negative effects on the
nation's present and future. Although safety practices have been well-examined in various
industries, managing and handling accidents within the education sector, particularly on
university campuses, demands considerable attention.
This study aims to fill this gap by assessing the efficiency of OHSMS at a South African
university of technology. The research objectives included determining the availability of an
OHSMS, identifying stakeholder roles and responsibilities, evaluating the effectiveness of
OHSMS implementation, and assessing staff and student attitudes towards health and safety
practices. A qualitative research design was employed, incorporating in-depth interviews,
qualitative observations, and document analysis to gather comprehensive data. Thematic
analysis was used to identify recurring themes and patterns. The study revealed that while
there is strong awareness of the OHS Act 85 of 1993 among university staff, significant gaps
exist in communication, enforcement, and compliance with roles and responsibilities.
Challenges include infrastructure maintenance, resource shortages, procedural delays, and
insufficient training. Hazard identification relies heavily on inspections, but regular reviews
are inconsistent. Although resource allocation is considered adequate by a majority, some
report delays and shortages. Training participation varies, with declines in some areas and
improvements in others. Emergency evacuation drills show general compliance but highlight
the need for better training. Document reviews indicate that policies are not always visibly
displayed or regularly reviewed.
While universities primarily focus on delivering education, health and safety risks could
undermine their core mission and objectives. Despite awareness of OHS standards, the
implementation and effectiveness of OHSMS require significant improvement to address communication, compliance, and resource challenges. The study recommends enhancing
policy communication, reinforcing roles and responsibilities, improving infrastructure and
resource management, conducting regular hazard assessments, increasing training
participation, expanding OHS committees, enhancing emergency procedures, implementing
regular management reviews, and improving documentation practices. These steps aim to
improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the university's OHSMS, ensuring a safer
environment for all stakeholders.
from safety practitioners, environmentalists, and researchers. This rise in industrial activities
has led to an increase in accidents, driven by the expansion of industries and the use of
advanced technologies to speed up production. Both production and service industries
recognize the importance of Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) practices for ensuring the
quality of products and services. Unlike many other industries where the production process
and service delivery are often separated, the production and consumption of university services
are closely linked. Therefore, the quality of education is significantly influenced by OHS
measures. A safety incident at a university could have far-reaching negative effects on the
nation's present and future. Although safety practices have been well-examined in various
industries, managing and handling accidents within the education sector, particularly on
university campuses, demands considerable attention.
This study aims to fill this gap by assessing the efficiency of OHSMS at a South African
university of technology. The research objectives included determining the availability of an
OHSMS, identifying stakeholder roles and responsibilities, evaluating the effectiveness of
OHSMS implementation, and assessing staff and student attitudes towards health and safety
practices. A qualitative research design was employed, incorporating in-depth interviews,
qualitative observations, and document analysis to gather comprehensive data. Thematic
analysis was used to identify recurring themes and patterns. The study revealed that while
there is strong awareness of the OHS Act 85 of 1993 among university staff, significant gaps
exist in communication, enforcement, and compliance with roles and responsibilities.
Challenges include infrastructure maintenance, resource shortages, procedural delays, and
insufficient training. Hazard identification relies heavily on inspections, but regular reviews
are inconsistent. Although resource allocation is considered adequate by a majority, some
report delays and shortages. Training participation varies, with declines in some areas and
improvements in others. Emergency evacuation drills show general compliance but highlight
the need for better training. Document reviews indicate that policies are not always visibly
displayed or regularly reviewed.
While universities primarily focus on delivering education, health and safety risks could
undermine their core mission and objectives. Despite awareness of OHS standards, the
implementation and effectiveness of OHSMS require significant improvement to address communication, compliance, and resource challenges. The study recommends enhancing
policy communication, reinforcing roles and responsibilities, improving infrastructure and
resource management, conducting regular hazard assessments, increasing training
participation, expanding OHS committees, enhancing emergency procedures, implementing
regular management reviews, and improving documentation practices. These steps aim to
improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the university's OHSMS, ensuring a safer
environment for all stakeholders.
Additional information
Thesis (Master of Environmental Health)--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2024
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