A training program to support manufacturing industries to prevent occupational accidents in the Polokwane Municipality

Abstract

Background: The number of occupational injuries in manufacturing industries continues to rise despite safety regulations. Occupational injuries range from the spine, hands, head, lungs, eyes, skeleton and skin. Negligence, improper use of Personal Protective Equipment, lack of experience and age are some of the factors leading to occupational injuries. Even though there are measures to prevent these occupational injuries, the number of injuries amongst manufacturing industries keeps rising and the causes need to be identified. Objective(s): The purpose of the study was to develop a training programme for manufacturing industries in the Polokwane municipality. Methods: A qualitative, exploratory, descriptive and contextual design was used for the study. Five categories of manufacturing industries were visited where 22 participants were interviewed using a voice recorder until data saturation was reached. There were 4 managers, 6 supervisors and 12 general workers. Member checking was done to verify and clarify transcribed information. Field notes were also taken for non-verbal responses. Data were analysed using Tesch’s and Clarke and Braun open coding method following the eight steps. Results: The findings of the study indicated that hazards in the physical work environment of manufacturing industries in the Polokwane municipality contributed to most occupational accidents. It was also found that negligence, incorrect provision of PPE by management, improper use of PPE by workers, and lack of safety training were also contributors to workplace accidents. Commitment to health and safety by industries management was also found to be lacking and played a role in some occupational accidents in the manufacturing industries. Conclusions: The study concludes that lack of health and safety training, negligence, and commitment by those in management compromised the health and safety of workers