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.
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
1.6Limitations of the study
1.7Chapter 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
4.6.4 Legal framework guiding manual handling
4.6.5 Responses on evaluating control measures
4.7 Chapter summary
CHAPTER FIVE: CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
5.1 Conclusion
5.2 Recommendations
5.3 Chapter Summary
Research Objectives and Focus Areas
This study aims to assess the manual handling hazards at the National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) mechanical workshop in Bulawayo. The research investigates the prevalence of ergonomic hazards, evaluates the awareness levels of workers regarding these risks, and assesses the effectiveness of existing organizational control measures to ensure worker safety and mitigate occupational injuries.
- Identification of manual handling hazards such as awkward postures and repetitive movements.
- Evaluation of worker awareness regarding manual handling and associated health risks.
- Assessment of the effectiveness of existing administrative and engineering safety controls.
- Investigation into the impact of manual handling on musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) rates within the workshop.
- Provision of recommendations for ergonomic interventions to improve occupational health and safety standards.
Excerpt from the Book
2.3 Overview of manual handling
MH activities are defined as any task requiring the use of force exerted by a person to lift, lower, push, carry and restrain any animate or inanimate objects. MH also encompass tasks involving repetitive or forceful movements and the maintenance of constrained or awkward postures which can result in in occupational overuse syndrome. Occupational overuse syndrome is basically a term used to describe a range of conditions characterised by discomfort or persistent pain in the muscles, tendons and other soft tissues with either physical manifestation or without.
According to the Fourth European Working Conditions Survey (2005), it was revealed that 35% of all workers in Europe are exposed to the risk of carrying or moving heavy loads for at least a quarter of their working time. The highest exposure rates are commonly found amongst the agricultural, manufacturing and mining industries. The most vulnerable group to MH hazards is generally the young workforce. A sectorial breakdown of rates of exposure to manual handling shows that workers in agriculture, construction, hotels and restaurants are most likely to be exposed to heavy loads (68%, 64% and 48% respectively), followed by workers in the sectors of manufacturing and mining, wholesale and retail trade (close to 42%), and transport and communications (35%).
Summary of Chapters
CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION: This chapter introduces the context of manual handling, the history of the National Railways of Zimbabwe, and defines the problem statement, objectives, and scope of the study.
CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW: This chapter reviews global and local trends in occupational injuries, explores manual handling risk factors and their effects, and discusses various management and control strategies for manual handling hazards.
CHAPTER THREE: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY: This chapter outlines the research design, target population, sampling techniques, and data collection methods, including the use of questionnaires, interviews, and field observations.
CHAPTER FOUR: RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS: This chapter presents the data gathered from the workshop, analyzing demographic characteristics, identified hazards, injury rates, worker awareness, and the effectiveness of current control measures.
CHAPTER FIVE: CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS: This chapter summarizes the research findings, concludes on the lack of awareness and effective control measures, and provides strategic recommendations for NRZ and NSSA.
Keywords
Manual Handling, Occupational Health, Ergonomics, Musculoskeletal Disorders, NRZ, Safety Measures, Workplace Hazards, Workforce Awareness, Injury Prevention, Risk Assessment, Mechanical Workshop, Zimbabwe, Occupational Safety, Industrial Accidents, Ergonomic Interventions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this research?
The research focuses on assessing manual handling hazards within the mechanical workshop of the National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) in Bulawayo to improve occupational safety and health.
What are the core research objectives?
The objectives are to identify specific manual handling hazards, determine workers' awareness regarding these hazards, and evaluate the effectiveness of the control measures currently implemented by the organization.
Which industries are most affected by manual handling hazards?
According to the study, industries such as agriculture, manufacturing, mining, construction, and transport exhibit high rates of exposure to manual handling risks.
What methodology was employed to gather data?
The researcher utilized a case study research design incorporating both qualitative and quantitative approaches, including questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, field observations, and secondary data analysis.
What does the literature suggest regarding manual handling and worker health?
The literature indicates that poor manual handling practices lead to Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs), which are a significant cause of absenteeism, reduced productivity, and increased medical costs.
What are the key findings concerning worker awareness at NRZ?
The study found a significant knowledge gap, with 73% of respondents indicating they are not aware of manual handling issues and 76% lacking general knowledge about manual handling risks.
How effective were the control measures at the NRZ mechanical workshop?
The research concluded that current control measures are largely ineffective, as they lack clear strategic action and regular implementation, often prioritizing production over worker safety.
What is the relationship between work experience and knowledge of manual handling?
The study performed a Chi-Square test, which revealed no significant association between a worker's years of experience and their knowledge of manual handling hazards, indicating a systemic lack of training.
What specific hazards were identified in the workshop?
Workers identified forceful exertions, unstable loads, exposure to vibration, repetitive movements, and awkward postures as the primary hazards they encounter daily.
What do the authors recommend for future improvements?
The recommendations include forming an ergonomics facilitation team, conducting regular risk assessments, providing continuous employee training, and strictly enforcing OSH regulations to ensure management prioritizes ergonomics.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Charles Mutshakambi (Autor:in), 2019, An Assessment of Manual Handling Hazards at a Mechanical Workshop. A Case Study of National Railways of Zimbabwe, Bulawayo, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/511330
