This study assessed the manual handling hazards at the NRZ mechanical workshop in Bulawayo. The objectives of the research were the identification of MH hazards, determine the level of awareness of workers on manual handling issues and assessment of the control measures put in place at the organisation to deal with manual handling issues. The researcher adopted a case study research design while incorporating both qualitative and quantitative approaches. Five workshops were only selected namely Wagon, Fitting, Machine, Foundry and Carriage resulting in a sample of 153 questionnaire respondents which were distributed in a randomly. Key informants who were interviewed was the SHE practitioner, nurse in charge, and workshop foremen. More data was also gathered from relevant secondary data sources as well as from field observations. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to analyse data and specifically using the Chi-Square test to establish correlations. The result indicated that the majority of the respondents are not aware of manual handling as revealed by the 73% of the respondents who indicated that they are not aware of manual handling. A number of manual handling hazards were identified which comprise of awkward postures, repetitive movements and vibration exposure which result in a number of injuries which are known as musculoskeletal disorders which encompass cuts muscle strain, sprains chronic pain and minor injuries, The research also noted that the measures which are put in place by management in dealing with manual handling are not effective as they lack strategic action thereby limiting the success of the measures. It was finally concluded that there is need to consider ergonomic interventions in the day to day operations of the company in order to reduce work related risk factors and injuries which come as a result of manual handling. Recommendations were also forwarded to the nation and company on how to address manual handling issues.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Chapter One: Introduction
- 1.1 Introduction
- 1.2 Statement of the problem
- 1.3 Objectives
- 1.3.1 General objective
- 1.3.2 Specific objective
- 1.4 Justification of the study
- 1.5 Scope of the study
- 1.6 Limitations of the study
- 1.7 Chapter summary
- Chapter Two: Literature Review
- 2.2 Conceptual framework
- 2.2 Trends of occupational accidents and injuries in Zimbabwe
- 2.3 Overview of manual handling
- 2.4 Manual handling Risk factors
- 2.5 Effects of manual handling
- 2.7 Management of manual handling hazards
- 2.7.1 Hazard identification
- 2.7.2 Engineering Controls
- 2.7.3 Administrative controls
- 2.7.4 Personal protective equipment's/ Clothes
- 2.8 Influence of manual handling training and awareness to employees
- 2.9 Knowledge gap
- 2.10 Chapter Summary
- Chapter Three: Research Methodology
- 3.1 Introduction
- 3.2 Research Design
- 3.3 Target Population
- 3.4 Sample Size Determination
- 3.5 Methods of Data Collection
- 3.5.1 Questionnaires
- 3.5.2 Interviews
- 3.5.3 Field Observations
- 3.5.4 Secondary Data
- 3.6 Data analysis and presentation
- 3.7 Ethical considerations
- 3.8 Reliability and Validity
- 3.9 Chapter summary
- Chapter Four: Results and Discussions
- 4.1 Introduction
- 4.2 Demographic characteristics of respondents
- 4.2.1 Response rate
- 4.2.2 Gender of respondents
- 4.2.3 Age of Respondents
- 4.2.4 Level of Education
- 4.2.5 Work experience
- 4.3 Manual Handling hazards
- 4.3.1 Forceful exertion/ efforts
- 4.3.2 Unstable loads
- 4.3.3 Vibration exposure
- 4.3.4 Repetitive movements
- 4.3.5 Awkward postures
- 4.4 Effects of Manual handling hazards
- 4.4.1 Manual Handling related injuries on a five years period
- 4.5 Level of awareness of workers on MH hazards
- 4.5.1 Respondents knowledge on MH
- 4.5.2 Awareness level of MH hazards
- 4.6 Manual Handling control measures
- 4.6.1 Safe operating procedures and training
- 4.6.2 Safety Audits
- 4.6.3 Personal protective clothing / equipment
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This study aimed to assess manual handling hazards at the NRZ mechanical workshop in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. It sought to identify these hazards, determine worker awareness of manual handling issues, and evaluate the effectiveness of existing control measures. The research employed a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis.
- Identification of manual handling hazards in a mechanical workshop setting.
- Assessment of worker awareness regarding manual handling safety.
- Evaluation of the effectiveness of existing manual handling control measures.
- Analysis of the correlation between manual handling hazards and musculoskeletal disorders.
- Recommendations for improving manual handling safety practices.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
Chapter One: Introduction: This chapter introduces the study, outlining the problem of manual handling hazards at the NRZ mechanical workshop in Bulawayo. It states the objectives – to identify hazards, assess worker awareness, and evaluate control measures – and justifies the study's importance for worker safety and organizational efficiency. The scope and limitations of the research are defined, setting the boundaries for the investigation and acknowledging potential constraints.
Chapter Two: Literature Review: This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of existing literature on manual handling, exploring conceptual frameworks, trends in occupational accidents and injuries in Zimbabwe, and the risk factors and effects associated with manual handling. It delves into various management strategies for manual handling hazards, including hazard identification, engineering controls, administrative controls, and the use of personal protective equipment. The chapter also examines the impact of training and awareness programs on employee behavior and identifies knowledge gaps in the field.
Chapter Three: Research Methodology: This chapter details the research design and methodology employed in the study. It describes the target population, sample size determination, and data collection methods (questionnaires, interviews, field observations, and secondary data). The chapter explains the data analysis techniques used, ethical considerations addressed, and steps taken to ensure the reliability and validity of the research findings. It provides a transparent account of the research process, allowing for critical evaluation of the study's rigor and trustworthiness.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Manual handling, occupational safety, musculoskeletal disorders, hazard identification, risk assessment, control measures, worker awareness, ergonomic interventions, Zimbabwe, National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ), case study, quantitative research, qualitative research, mixed methods.
Frequently Asked Questions: Manual Handling Hazards at the NRZ Mechanical Workshop in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
What is the main topic of this research study?
This study focuses on assessing manual handling hazards at the National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) mechanical workshop in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. It investigates the types of hazards present, the level of worker awareness about these hazards, and the effectiveness of existing safety control measures.
What are the key objectives of the research?
The primary objectives are to identify manual handling hazards, assess worker awareness of manual handling safety, and evaluate the effectiveness of current control measures. The study also aims to analyze the correlation between manual handling hazards and musculoskeletal disorders and provide recommendations for improving safety practices.
What methodology was used in the research?
The study employed a mixed-methods approach, combining both quantitative and qualitative data collection techniques. These included questionnaires, interviews, field observations, and analysis of secondary data. The research design, sample size determination, data analysis methods, ethical considerations, and steps taken to ensure reliability and validity are all detailed in the methodology chapter.
What types of manual handling hazards were investigated?
The research examined several key hazards, including forceful exertion, unstable loads, vibration exposure, repetitive movements, and awkward postures. The study explored the frequency and impact of these hazards on workers.
What data was collected and how was it analyzed?
Data was collected through questionnaires, interviews, and field observations, supplemented by secondary data. The analysis involved both quantitative methods (e.g., statistical analysis of survey data) and qualitative methods (e.g., thematic analysis of interview transcripts). The demographic characteristics of respondents (gender, age, education, work experience) were also analyzed.
What were the findings regarding worker awareness of manual handling hazards?
The study assessed the level of respondents' knowledge about manual handling hazards and their awareness of the risks. Specific findings concerning the understanding of manual handling principles and the recognition of potential hazards are presented and discussed in the results chapter.
What control measures were evaluated?
The effectiveness of existing control measures, including safe operating procedures and training, safety audits, and the use of personal protective clothing/equipment, was assessed. The research examined how well these measures mitigate the identified manual handling hazards.
What are the key themes explored in the study?
Key themes include the identification of manual handling hazards in a mechanical workshop setting, worker awareness of manual handling safety, the evaluation of existing control measures, and the analysis of the correlation between manual handling hazards and musculoskeletal disorders. The study concludes with recommendations for improving manual handling safety practices.
What are the limitations of the study?
The study acknowledges potential limitations, such as the specific setting (NRZ mechanical workshop in Bulawayo), the sample size, and the potential biases inherent in the data collection methods. These limitations are explicitly discussed within the study.
What are the overall implications of the study?
The study's findings aim to contribute to a better understanding of manual handling hazards in similar workplaces and inform the development of more effective safety interventions. The recommendations provide practical strategies for improving worker safety and reducing the risk of musculoskeletal disorders.
- Quote paper
- Charles Mutshakambi (Author), 2019, An Assessment of Manual Handling Hazards at a Mechanical Workshop. A Case Study of National Railways of Zimbabwe, Bulawayo, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/511330
