Health and Safety Programs Conformity with the Set Standards Measures in Disaster Risk Reduction Strategy in Selected Kenya's Horticultural Research Institutions
Researchjouranli's Journal of Public Health, Vol. 1, No. 11
15 Pages Posted: 13 Jul 2016 Last revised: 11 Aug 2016
Date Written: December 12, 2015
Abstract
Health and safety consideration, although serving an important role in any organizations, is often overlooked. Workplace accidents, associated injuries and illnesses are significantly underestimated, putting over 500 hundred permanent workers and thousands of contract workers in the horticultural research institutes at risk. Health and safety programs conformity with the set standards as measures in disaster risk reduction strategy in selected Kenya’s horticultural research institutions has not been entirely understood and there is limited existing documented data in this area. The study adopted a descriptive research design. A sample of 167 staff was drawn using stratified random sampling from four horticultural research institutes in Kenya namely Kandara, Matuga, Tigoni and Kibos, comprising technical and non-technical staff. Data instruments were questionnaires, observation checklists and interview guides. Descriptive statistics were used to present the data. There was 60.4% compliance to the set standard in policy implementation guidelines. This is reflected in 46.5% of respondents who said safety audits are carried out in their institutions. Notwithstanding the high level of compliance to set requirements, there was low response to accidents and incidents by management. The study recommends full compliance with set requirements to enhance health and safety and safety audits be done independently.
Keywords: horticulture, research, health, Safety, compliance, disaster, risk, reduction, Jack Onyisi Abebe
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