FACTORS INFLUENCING THE ADOPTION OF OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY PRACTICES IN SECURITY COMPANIES IN KENYA

Abstract

Employees are the most important asset in an organization. Their health and safety is therefore paramount if the employee is to perform his/ her duties at optimal level. Legal responsibility is therefore placed upon the employer to ensure employees safety and health at the workplace. Employees also have the right and responsibility to ensure their own safety and health and that of their colleagues at their workplace. The importance of occupational health and safety (OHS) is to ensure workers health and wellbeing is maintained at the workplace is important. The study set to analyze the factors that influence the adoption of occupational health and safety practices in security companies in Kenya. The objectives were to: establish the role of OHS policy, determine the influence of leadership on OHS, examine the culture of OHS and establish the effect of training on training on OHS at the G4S Kenya Limited. The study was guide by Social Cognitive Theory. The study used descriptive research design. The sample size for the study was 200 with a response rate of 89%. Questionnaires were used to collect data. The study found that G4S has a policy on OHS that was relevant but was not well communicated to the employees and was not well implemented; the management of G4S closely monitored employees work, there was a channel for reporting safety issues and that the management adhered to safety standards; the employees had received training that was comprehensive but still were unable to handle emergency issues at their workplace; the management and employees of G4S had a good culture towards occupational health and safety though more was expected. The study recommends continuous revision of OHS policy to conform to current standards and practices; collaboration between the management and employees on their safety and wellbeing; relevant and adequate training of all employees on occupational health and safety practices