Employees' perception of safety management practice for Eskom in Pietermaritzburg.
Loading...
Date
2019
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
Eskom KwaZulu-Natal Operating Unit (KZN-OU) has experienced an increase in
work related accidents as a result, this research was conducted in an attempt to
determine staff perceptions of the safety programme and how it could be improved.
In the period 2006-2011 the KZN-OU reported a total number of 128 of incidents,
which made Eskom in the annual report 2014 to openly declare that safety of
workers was the foundation of its operations.
This small-scale research aimed at gaining insight into the employee’s perceptions of
the safety management practices of Eskom KwaZulu-Natal Operating Unit in
Pietermaritzburg. The objective of the study was to explore the factors that contribute
to the perception of employees about safety management practice which include
management commitment, enforcement of practices or codes, equipment
compliance with safe working practice, and safety training and communication about
the safety programme. This research focused on Eskom, specifically the KwaZulu-
Natal Operating Unit (KZN-OU) in Pietermaritzburg, and aimed at exploring the
safety management programme.
This study has used qualitative content analysis approach to assist in reducing a
broad spectrum of findings towards determining patterns and certain themes that has
emerged. Data were analysed using narrative thematic analysis. The results of this
study are meaningful and make recommendations that will assist Eskom, specifically
the KZN-OU in Pietermaritzburg, in their review of changing safety management
practice in areas concern such as work pressure which affects the state of safe
working condition for employees. The management commitment and enforcement of
codes were negative contributors when linked to work pressure and safe working
conditions of employees. These factors have been perceived negatively as
contributors to the increase in the number of accidents. This undermines the safety
management practice of the organization in lowering the number of accidents and
fatalities. The study provided useful data to improve on the existing safety
management practices.
Description
Masters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg.