A survey of the occupational health and safety programmes adopted by the banking industry in Kenya

Abstract

The principle objective of the study was to establish the occupational health and safety programmes adopted by banks operating in Kenya. It also sought to establish the hazards perceived by the banks to affect the health and safety of the employees. The need for this study was motivated by the fact that, health and safety has traditionally been associated with manufacturing sector. There was therefore an urge to establish if the service sector industries recognize that occupational health and safety relates to them as well. Further, the legislation on occupational health and safety is based on physical conditions that would affect employees at workplace. Do the banks realize that the hazards that target the physiological and mental health are prevalent in the service industry? And if they do, can they address them effectively? The findings of the study have revealed that banks are very keen on physical and mechanical hazards that affect employees. These hazards are easily recognized by the management and adequately addressed. However, physiological and mental hazards such as workload, workplace, working hours, lack of social support, computers, strict deadlines, and high targets has not been given a lot of consideration. Hence the programmes, which are meant to address them, are not well developed. Another area that was found wanting is programmes to assist employees to manage their stress levels. To conclude, this study indicates the challenges facing managers of service industry . . because of the changed needs of employees on issues regarding their health and safety. The directorate of the occupational health and safety has a big challenge of not only reviewing the legislation but also enlightening employers on the importance of self regulatory health and safety programmes.